SEMPORNA: A foreigner was sentenced to two years in prison for trespassing into a hotel room at a resort here.
The sentence was handed down by Semporna Magistrate Don Stiwin Malanjum on Oct 7 under Section 448 of the Penal Code.
The incident occurred at about 3.00 am on Sept 19, when the accused, identified as Amir Kahal, trespassed into Room 207 of the resort along Jalan Kemiri.
He will be handed over to the Malaysian Immigration Department after completing his prison sentence.
The prosecution was conducted by Inspector Muhammad Nur Faez Hazreeq Abdullah.
OCPD Superintendent Tan Hiap Wah said a separate investigation under Section 354 of the Penal Code is ongoing, pending the completion of a chemical analysis report.
Once the report is received, police will seek further instructions from the Deputy Public Prosecutor on the next course of action.
The accused is also scheduled to face a charge on Nov 5 under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for entering or staying in Malaysia without a valid pass or permit.
Tan warned that strict action would be taken against employers who hire undocumented migrants or foreign workers without valid permits.
Legal action could also be taken against property owners, tenants, occupants or individuals responsible for premises who knowingly allow undocumented migrants to stay there without valid passes, permits or travel documents.
He said the Semporna District Police Headquarters would not compromise on violations of the law.
Members of the public, particularly employers and property owners, were urged to comply with immigration laws and report any information on criminal activities or undocumented migrants to the police. – James Leong
Tan warned that strict action would be taken against employers who hire undocumented migrants or foreign workers without valid permits.
