SIBU: A 37-year-old woman was fined RM1,500, in default of two months’ imprisonment, by the Magistrates’ Court here on Monday (Sept 7) after pleading guilty to assaulting her cousin following a financial dispute.
The accused, Zalifah Hossen from Kampung Bahagia Jaya, Teku, paid the fine.
According to the charge sheet, Zalifah was charged under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt to her 21-year-old cousin, Nadiatul Insyirah Mohamad Sapi’ee. The offence carries a maximum penalty of up to one year in prison, a fine of up to RM2,000, or both.
The court heard that the incident occurred on Aug 27 at approximately 5.30pm at a residence in Kampung Bahagia Jaya, Teku.
A dispute erupted between the two family members over an unpaid debt of RM2,500 that Zalifah had borrowed from the victim in 2025. During the altercation, Zalifah slapped the victim on the head before pushing her onto a bed.
She then strangled the victim by gripping her neck with both hands, leaving her with dizziness and breathing difficulties.
The victim sought medical attention at Sibu Hospital the following morning at around 9am, where an examination by an attending medical officer revealed soft tissue injuries to her neck and chest. A police report was subsequently lodged.
Magistrate Romario Jonoi handed down the sentence following Zalifah’s unrepresented guilty plea.
Deputy public prosecutor Mohd Syazani Izzaddin appeared for the prosecution.
