By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, Jan 28: A Magistrate’s Court here today ordered a lecturer at a government training institution to enter his defence on a charge of drug abuse involving amphetamine and methamphetamine.
Magistrate Nursyaheeqa Nazwa Radzali made the ruling after finding that the prosecution had successfully established a prima facie case against the 38-year-old accused at the close of the prosecution’s case.
In her decision, the magistrate held that the prosecution had proven all the essential elements required under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. The court also noted that issues and objections raised by the defence had been adequately addressed by the prosecution in its submissions.
The court was further satisfied that the accused’s urine sample was lawfully obtained by the police in compliance with Section 31A of the same Act.
Following the ruling, the court fixed March 13, 2026, for the defence case, during which the accused is expected to testify.
According to the charge, the offence was allegedly committed on March 5, 2023, at about 12.30am at the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division office of the Kuching District Police Headquarters.
The charge was brought under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries a penalty of up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to RM5,000, and police supervision of up to three years upon conviction.
The prosecution, led by Deputy Public Prosecutor Chuah Kai Sheng, called seven witnesses, including the arresting officer, escorting officer, pathologist, and investigating officer, to support its case.
The accused is represented by counsel Osman Ibrahim. — DayakDaily
