Man fined RM3,500 for stealing iron fence

KUCHING: The Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jan 9) imposed a fine of RM3,500 or a five-month jail term on a 25-year-old man for the theft of an iron fence belonging to a restaurant owner in Kampung Bako on Jan 4.

Noramzee pleaded guilty to the offence under Section 379 of the Penal Code when presented before Magistrate Syarifah Fatimah Azura Wan Ali. The incident occurred at a restaurant in Pangkalan Bako around 3.10pm on Jan 4.

If found guilty, Noramzee could have faced imprisonment for up to seven years, a fine, or both.

According to the case details, the 59-year-old male complainant noticed Noramzee lifting the iron fence in front of his restaurant.

When confronted, Noramzee fled but returned minutes later with a machete, chasing the complainant. Fortunately, the complainant escaped and promptly reported the incident to the police.

Noramzee was apprehended by the police later that day at a house in Taman Mesra Bako. The investigation revealed that he had stolen the iron fence by removing and relocating it without the complainant’s permission.

Inspector Ammarsoffi Yusoff handled the prosecution in the case while the accused did not have legal representation.