Sabahan storekeeper fined for unlawfully having RM1,400 in bank account

MIRI (July 29): The Magistrates’ Court here today fined a storekeeper RM500 in default two weeks imprisonment for unlawfully possessing RM1,400 in his bank account about four years ago.

Magistrate Sandy Yvette Freddy convicted Chai Chih Vui, 34, from Sandakan, Sabah on his own guilty plea to a charge under Section 37(1) of the Minor Offences Ordinance Sarawak 1958.

The charge carries a jail term of up to three months and a maximum fine of RM500 upon conviction.

According to the facts of the case, Chai was found to possess RM1,400 in his bank account, which had been unlawfully obtained.

He committed the offence on March 24, 2020 at around 10.48pm at a lot at in Senadin, here.

In mitigation, Chai pleaded for leniency as this was his first offence.

He told the court that his account had been lent to a friend without him knowing what his friend intended to use it for.

Insp Mudzilawati Abdul Rahman prosecuted the case, while Chai was unrepresented by legal counsel.