By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, May 27: A man facing the death penalty for drug trafficking escaped the noose after pleading guilty to a reduced charge of drug possession.
Goh Boon Kim’s fate was sealed after he admitted guilt to possessing over 72 grammes of methamphetamine and a small amount of nimetazepam during a hearing before Judge Datuk Farid Gohim Abdullah.
The High Court sentenced the 35-year-old to 10 years in prison and 10 strokes of the cane.
Originally, Goh was charged with trafficking—a capital offence under Malaysian law—but the prosecution amended the charge to possession, allowing for a lesser sentence.
Under the amended charge, the offence still carries stiff penalties, including a potential life sentence and mandatory whipping.
The incident dates to April 19, 2022, when Goh was apprehended outside a telecommunications outlet on Jalan Satok.
Acting on a tip-off, narcotics officers moved in on Goh, who attempted to flee in a sedan before being caught.
A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a large plastic packet filled with crystal-like substances and several blister packs of pills. Lab results later confirmed the substances to be methamphetamine and nimetazepam.
In court, Goh received 10 years in prison and 10 lashes for the methamphetamine charge. He was also handed a two-year sentence for the possession of nimetazepam. Both sentences will run concurrently from the date of his arrest.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Nor Azhari Yusof led the prosecution, while Goh was represented by lawyers Steven Beti and Gerald Empaling Donald. — DayakDaily
