While it’s common knowledge that stealing is an inherently wrong act, there are times where circumstances may force one to resort to theft.
This was the case for a local woman, who pleaded for mercy from the court after she admitted to stealing several items from a supermarket in KL.
Jobless M’sian woman steals groceries worth RM374.69
According to a report by Utusan, the accused, Lini Ahmat, was charged with theft at the KL Magistrate’s Court yesterday (Apr 21).
She was charged with stealing 30 types of items, including snacks, personal care products, and daily necessities such as bread, eggs, biscuits, soy milk, tissues, and toothpaste, worth RM374.69 from a supermarket in Brickfields on April 19.
If convicted, she faces a prison term of up to 10 years and a fine under Section 380 of the Penal Code, which is punishable under the same section.
Ahmat pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to her before Magistrate Aina Azahra Arifin.
Stole out of financial desperation
Deputy Public Prosecutor Hench Goh requested the court to impose an appropriate sentence to serve as a lesson to the accused.
However, Ahmat’s lawyer Qurratu ‘Aini Zafirah Mat Shoib pleaded for a lenient sentence on the grounds that her client committed the offense out of financial pressure and is still caring for her six-month-old baby and ailing 76-year-old father.
“My client is unemployed, while her husband has only recently secured a job after the family moved from Sarawak to KL.
“The accused was in a desperate situation and had no money to buy basic necessities,” she added.
Ahmat was later sentenced to serve three months in jail for the offence.
This isn’t the first time some have stolen due to unfortunate circumstances, with similar cases taking place over the years:
