Youth jailed 12 years for friend’s death during drunken brawl in Sri Aman

KUCHING (March 17): The Sessions Court in Sri Aman on Monday sentenced a youth to 12 years behind bars for causing the death of his friend during a fight last year.

Judge Intan Nurul Fareena Zainal Abidin convicted the 20-year-old on his own guilty plea to a charge under Section 304(a) of the Penal Code for causing the death of any person by a rash or negligent act that does not amount to culpable homicide.

This Section carries a jail term of up to 30 years and a fine upon conviction.

The offence was committed at a workers’ quarters in Sri Aman on Aug 6, 2025.

According to a statement from Sri Aman police chief Dennis Bunyam, the victim and accused, who were friends, are believed to have consumed alcohol before an argument broke out.

“The fight escalated outside the house, where the accused took a piece of wood and struck the victim, causing serious head injuries,” he said.

Dennis said the victim was taken to hospital and treated in the Intensive Care Unit but was pronounced dead on Aug 23, 2025.

Following the incident, Dennis advised the public not to resolve disputes through violence, which could lead to death and legal consequences.

“Public cooperation is crucial in ensuring safety and preventing such incidents,” he said.

Deputy public prosecutor Muhammad Farhan Mohd Pauzi appeared for the prosecution, while the accused did not have legal representation.