KUCHING: The High Court sentenced an Indonesian man to two years and nine months in prison for smuggling eight of his countrymen into Malaysia two years ago.
Judicial Commissioner Zaleha Mohd Yusuf Pan handed down the sentence after Joni Dulhadi, 34, pleaded guilty to a charge under Section 26J of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007.
The offence carries a maximum jail term of five years, a fine of up to RM250,000, or both, upon conviction.
Joni was charged with transporting the eight migrants using a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) at the side of a grocery store along Jalan Batu Kawa at about 9.01pm on July 22, 2023.
According to the case facts, during “Op Kenal Lada” on the day of the incident, a police team led by the complainant stopped a suspicious Perodua Alza.
Upon inspection, they discovered that Joni was transporting eight migrants–seven men and one woman–believed to be en route to an undisclosed location.
Further investigation found that two of the migrants had no immigration records of entering or exiting Malaysia, while six others possessed passports, but had overstayed their visit.
It was later confirmed that Joni was involved in the transportation of the smuggled migrants.
Deputy public prosecutor Muhammad Afiq Safly Nor Kazly prosecuted the case while Joni was represented by counsel Ranbir Singh.
