By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, March 19: A 30-year-old man who tried to set fire to an electricity meter at his family home following a dispute has been sentenced to two years and six months in jail and fined RM4,000 by the Sessions Court here today.
He pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read before Judge Iris Awen Jon.
Failure to pay the fine would result in an additional three months’ imprisonment.
He was charged with attempting to commit mischief by fire under Section 435 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 511, which carries a maximum jail term of 14 years and a fine upon conviction.
According to the prosecution, the incident occurred around 7.30pm on March 16, 2026, at a house in Kampung Segedup, Batu Kawa. The accused was said to have attempted to damage an electricity meter belonging to his father.
Court proceedings revealed that the complainant had been in his bedroom when he heard a commotion outside. Upon stepping out, he found the accused arguing with other family members, allegedly after setting off firecrackers in front of the house.
Despite efforts to calm him, the accused allegedly remained agitated and attempted to ignite the electricity meter with the firecrackers.
A police report was later lodged, citing the accused’s repeated aggressive behaviour and tendency to react violently when reprimanded. He was arrested the following day.
The prosecution was led by Deputy Public Prosecutor Ruvinasini Pandian, while the accused appeared in court without legal representation. — DayakDaily
