MELAKA: Five ehailing drivers in Melaka have been fined a total of RM35,000 by two Sessions Courts after being found guilty of transporting undocumented migrants. The fines were imposed by Judge Mohd Sabri Ismail and Dharmafikri Abu Adam following separate proceedings on Tuesday (Sept 12).
The individuals who were fined are Mohd Taufiq Md Isa, 30; Mohd Fhairul Arifin Shaharudin, 39; Shahrulnizam Abu Hanafi, 46; Muhammad Hafiz Rudi, 35; and Syed Salim Syed Anuar, 34. All of them pleaded guilty to the charges.
According to the statements of facts, both Mohd Taufiq and Muhammad Hafiz allowed two illegal immigrants to occupy their respective cars. This offense took place at Klebang beachfront in the Melaka Tengah district between 12pm and 11pm on Aug 14.
The charges were made under Section 55E of the Immigration Act 1959/63, which states that it is an offense to transport undocumented migrants. Those convicted can be punished under Section 55E (2) of the same act, which carries a fine ranging from RM5,000 to RM30,000 or imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both, for each immigrant transported.
The other three individuals, Syed Salim, Mohd Fhairul, and Shahrulnizam, also faced similar charges for allowing illegal immigrants to occupy their respective cars. The offenses committed by them occurred at Ayer Keroh Rest and Recreational Area as well as Klebang beachfront between 12pm and 11pm on Aug 14.
The prosecution was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutors N. Sivashangari and Muhammad Nazrin Ali Rahim, while the five individuals were represented by counsel Datuk Hanif Hassan and Umar Zulkarnain.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
