By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, Oct 4: An Indonesian part-time welder has been sentenced to eight months in prison for attacking a 17-year-old boy with a machete in Tabuan Jaya on Sept 27.
The court heard that Jong Chung Lim, 38, lashed out at the teenager due to the pressures of living abroad and struggling with his personal circumstances.
The assault took place at the victim’s home around 9pm. According to the prosecution, Jong admitted to attacking the boy in a moment of anger.
He pleaded guilty under Section 324 of the Penal Code, which deals with causing harm using a dangerous weapon.
Magistrate Ling Hui Chuan handed down the sentence, which takes effect immediately.
During the hearing, the court was told that the incident was reported by the victim’s uncle, who had been informed by his sister that her son had been attacked.
The teenager sustained minor injuries, including scratches on his left arm and back.
Following a police report, officers arrested Jong later that evening near a shopping center on Jalan Wan Alwi.
Jong, who is divorced and has three children, explained to the court that he had been overwhelmed by emotional and financial difficulties, leading him to act out in violence.
In a separate case at the Sessions Court, Jong was also sentenced to an additional four months in prison for overstaying his visa.
He pleaded guilty to the offense under Section 15(1) of the Immigration Act 1959, which was heard before Judge Afidah Abdul Rahman. Jong will be handed over to immigration authorities after serving his sentences.
The prosecution was led by Deputy Public Prosecutor Iburdanisha Ibrahim and Inspector Nur Shafiqa Nyaie Ilin. Jong was not represented by legal counsel. — DayakDaily
