Ayer Keroh Magistrate’s Court handed down an eight-month prison sentence and a RM5,500 fine to a single mother.
A 40-year-old Malaysian woman was jailed for 8 months for four offenses of stealing 147 units of beauty and health products worth a total of RM13,002.23 between April and September to pay off her debts, reported Harian Metro.
According to Harian Metro, the accused, Sazila Isa was sentence after pleading guilty in separate proceedings before Magistrates, Khairunnisak Hassni and Sharda Shienha Mohd Suleiman at Magistrates Court 2 and 4.
Based on the three charges, it was determined that the accused had fraudulently stolen 115 units of various beauty and health products, amounting to a total value of RM9,710.48.
Committed at 3 pharmacy stores in Melaka
The act was allegedly committed at the Guardian pharmacy store, Kipmall Melaka, Jalan Tun Fatimah, Bachang, on April 29 last, at 4.40 pm, and at the Guardian store, Jalan Bunga Raya, on July 26 and September 6 last, at 7.57 pm and 8.25 pm.
As for the charge before Sharda Shienha, the accused was found to have stolen 32 units of jewelry worth RM3,291.75 at the Guardian store, Mahkota Parade, on July 26 at about 8.15 pm.
Deputy Public Prosecutors, Wardah Ishar and Nor Asnini Kamarudin presented the charges according to Section 380 of the Penal Code, if convicted they could be imprisoned for up to 10 years and fined.
According to the facts, the complainants in all four cases became aware of the theft when they noticed that the stock of beauty and health products on the sales shelves was reduced, but there was no record of sales.
After reviewing the CCTV footage at their respective locations, it was discovered that the accused had taken multiple items under scrutiny, placing them into recycling bags, and exiting the premises without making any payment.
The prosecution had previously urged for a severe punishment to be administered, citing the accused as a recidivist with a history of repeated offenses.
To pay off debts
Lawyer Muhammad Izzuddin Ab Malek from the National Legal Aid Foundation (YBGK) argued that the accused’s guilty plea saved time and costs, advocating for a chance at rehabilitation.
“The defendant, a single mother of four children, one of whom is mentally disabled, relies solely on RM400 monthly in zakat.
The defendant acknowledges stealing the items to settle her debts. So I request a lenient prison sentence that begins from the date of her arrest,” he said.
Following the presentation of arguments from both sides, the court handed down a sentence of eight months’ imprisonment, effective from the date of the arrest.
Additionally, the defendant was fined RM5,500 for all the offenses, with an alternative of two months in prison in case of non-payment.
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