Laundry thief fails to make clean getaway, sentenced to total of 26 months in jail

The court complex in Kuching.

By Dorcas Ting

KUCHING, Sept 11: A jobless man was charged in three different Magistrate’s Courts for stealing money belonging to self-service laundry services, committing mischief and causing damage.

He was sentenced to six months’ and eight months’ imprisonment and a stroke of the rotan, and twelve months’ imprisonment and a fine of RM2,000 respectively.

The imprisonment terms are run concurrently.

Muhamad Iqbal Daniel Mohammad Affendi, 22, from Kampung Pinang Jawa, was unrepresented by counsel. He pleaded guilty to all three charges.

He pled guilty to stealing coins amounting to RM300 belonging to a self-service laundry service located in Jalan Semariang at about 8.38am on August 29, 2019.

This case was prosecuted by officer Nelson Ensit.

Magistrate Mohd Syukri Mokhtar sentenced the accused to six months’ imprisonment for this charge.

In the same court, Muhamad Iqbal also pleaded guilty to stealing coins amounting to RM20 belonging to a laundry service located at Metrocity Matang at about 8am on August 29.

Magistrate Mohd Syukri sentenced him to eight months’ imprisonment and a stroke of the rotan for this charge.

Officer ASP Rogaya Rosli prosecuted this case.

For these two charges, Muhamad Iqbal was charged under Section 380 of the Penal Code, which carries an imprisonment term which may extend to ten years if found guilty. The accused shall also be liable to a fine, and for a second or subsequent offence, shall be punished with imprisonment and shall also be liable to a fine or whipping, upon conviction.

Muhamad Iqbal also pled guilty to committing mischief and causing damage to the amount of RM1,000 at a laundry service located in Metrocity Matang at about 8am on August 29, 2019.

He was charged under Section 427 of the Penal Code, which carries an imprisonment term of between one year and five years, with the accused liable to be fined, or with both, upon conviction.

Magistrate Nuruhuda Mohd Yusof sentenced him to an imprisonment term of twelve months and a fine of RM2,000, or in default to four months’ imprisonment.

Insp Merylene Lindan Andrew Mang prosecuted this case. — DayakDaily