Two youths plead not guilty to stealing from temple to buy drugs

The two accused being escorted by police personnel at the Kuching court complex.

By Dorcas Ting

KUCHING, Sept 30: Two jobless men claimed trial to a charge of stealing money belonging to a temple in Beratok for the purpose of buying dangerous drugs.

Pui Vui Siong, 21, and Jap Yu Hon, 23, pleaded not guilty to the charge framed under Section 380 of the Penal Code.

Magistrate Zubaidah Sharkawi fixed November 28 for pre-trial case management and also allowed both accused to be released on RM2,000 bail with one local surety.

Pui and Jap are charged with stealing RM1,500 cash belonging to the Chung Yang Tua Pek Kong temple located in Beratok, at about 9am on September 16.

They were charged under Section 380 of the Penal Code read together with Section 34 of the same Code, which carries a maximum imprisonment term of 10 years and is liable to fine upon conviction.

Prosecuting Officer Inspector Nur Syafiqa Nyaie Ilin prosecuted while both accused were unrepresented by counsel. — DayakDaily