KUCHING, Nov 8: A man was sentenced to six months in prison by the Magistrates’ Court today after he attempted to steal steel bars from an Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) construction site in Kuching.
Magistrate Syarifah Fatimah Azura Wan Ali imposed the sentence on Abdul Haffiz Abdul Karim, 40, following his guilty plea.
Abdul Haffiz was charged under Section 379 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 511, which addresses theft and attempted theft.
The Penal Code stipulates that those found guilty of theft-related offences face up to seven years in prison, a fine, or both, depending on the severity of the crime.
The incident occurred on Nov 4, around 9am, near the Jalan Pending traffic light intersection, where an ART construction project is currently underway.
According to case records, a representative of the contractor overseeing the construction noticed Abdul Haffiz loitering around the site in a suspicious manner.
Upon closer inspection, the contractor observed Abdul Haffiz actively cutting through steel bars designated for use in the ART project.
The complainant, who had reportedly seen Abdul Haffiz in the area on previous occasions, took immediate action.
He confronted Abdul Haffiz, who was unable to provide a valid explanation for his presence at the site.
Suspecting theft, the complainant apprehended him and promptly escorted him to the nearest police station to be handed over to the authorities.
Police confirmed that Abdul Haffiz was in possession of tools commonly associated with metal cutting, including a hacksaw and wire cutters, both of which were seized as evidence.
The tools are believed to have been used in his attempt to remove steel bars from the site.
Prosecuting officer ASP Arman Ibrahim represented the state in court, presenting the evidence that led to Abdul Haffiz’s conviction. — DayakDaily
