MIRI: A 53-year-old man was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment by the Magistrate’s Court here yesterday (June 19) after admitting to impersonating a police officer and entering the Miri District Police Headquarters (IPD) without authorisation.
The accused pleaded guilty to a charge under Section 170 of the Penal Code, which criminalises impersonating a public servant.
According to the facts presented in court, the man entered the police headquarters compound and identified himself as a police officer using the title “Inspector Sheriff”.
Subsequent investigations established that he was not a member of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
The court heard that the accused had falsely represented himself as a serving police officer despite having no affiliation with the force.
Section 170 of the Penal Code provides for a prison sentence of up to two years, a fine, or both, upon conviction.
Following his guilty plea, the court sentenced him to 10 months in prison.
In a statement issued after the proceedings, Miri District Police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said police viewed seriously any attempt to impersonate public officials or gain unauthorised access to restricted government premises.
He said such actions could compromise the security of government facilities and undermine public confidence in law enforcement agencies.
Mohd Farhan also reminded the public not to misuse the identity or authority of public servants, warning that stern action would be taken against offenders under existing laws.
