KOTA KINABALU: Two undocumented migrants have been jailed one year each for illegally possessing petrol, a controlled item, in Semporna waters.
Manan Ahmad, in his 30s, and Roslan Gapul, in his 50s, pleaded guilty to the offence under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 before Tawau Sessions judge Rosli Ahmad on Tuesday (Aug 13).
The court sentenced the accused, both from the Philippines, to one year’s imprisonment, upon completion of which they are to be referred to the Immigration Department for further action.
According to Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry chief enforcement officer (Semporna) Jong Jee Leong, the men were detained separately in waters off the Boheyan and Timba-Timba Islands in the district by the General Operations Force (GOF).
They were found in possession of a total of 1,050 litres of petrol in jerry cans on boats.
It is believed the petrol was being smuggled out of the country, Jong said.
Jong said both accused did not possess personal or travel documentation, nor any licence for the controlled goods.
Under the Act, those convicted could be fined up to RM1mil or jailed up to three years, or both, for the first offence.
