KUCHING, May 29: Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Public Complaints Bureau (SUPP PCB) chief Wilfred Yap has managed to help a father whose daughter was charged for a second drug offence despite her being a mental patient.
Yap said the man told him recently that the police had charged his 24-year-old daughter for a second drug possession-related offence and that his daughter was incapable of rational decision making.
“The father also informed that his daughter has been receiving treatment from the government psychiatric hospital at Kota Sentosa even during the time when she pleaded guilty to a drug offence for the first time.
“According to the father, the daughter is currently serving a prison sentence for her previous drug-related offence because the daughter’s mental health condition was not communicated to the police and that he could not afford to pay for legal services.
“He also informed that his daughter is serving the prison sentence as he could not raise enough money to help his daughter pay the fine imposed by the court,” said Yap in a statement today.
Yap then advised the man to get a copy of her daughter’s medical report from the hospital. Upon getting hold of the report, Yap immediately communicated with the investigating police officer and the presiding magistrate.
“The Magistrate’s Court has now made an order under Section 342 Criminal Procedure Code for the daughter to be sent to Kota Sentosa Hospital for one month for observation and opinion of her state of mind,” said Yap.
Meanwhile, Yap reminded the public that PCB would try its best to give advice and lend a helping hand to individuals who might be facing similar problems but does not know how to deal with it.
He, however, stressed that the case concerned must be a genuine problem.
Anyone requiring assistance can call SUPP PCB’s mobile number at 016-7797688 or 082-246999 or go direct to the SUPP Head Office to request for assistance. — DayakDaily
