KUCHING: A 17-year-old boy was placed under a two-year good behaviour bond by the Magistrates’ Court here on Tuesday after pleading guilty to possessing a small amount of cannabis late last year.
Magistrate Ling Hui Chuan ordered the teenager to be bound over for two years with a bond of RM1,000 to be guaranteed by his mother.
The court opted against a custodial sentence, taking into account the offender’s age and circumstances surrounding the case.
According to the charge, the teenager was found in possession of 0.87 grammes of cannabis at the roadside along Jalan Semangat, Bintawa, at 11.05am on Dec 2, 2025.
He was charged under Section 6 of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which provides for a fine of up to RM20,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both upon conviction.
Facts of the case revealed that the boy was detained by a police patrol team conducting crime prevention duties in the area.
A body search led to the discovery of a transparent plastic packet containing dried leaves in the back pocket of his jeans.
A social report presented to the court recommended that the teenager be given a second chance through community-based rehabilitation, citing his status as a minor and the need to prioritise his best interests.
The report also suggested that the offender be placed under parental supervision, with additional conditions including periodic reporting to the Social Welfare Department or a nearby police station, as well as participation in structured programmes.
It was further highlighted that the teenager had voluntarily gone to the police station shortly after the incident, indicating a lack of intent to evade authorities.
The report also noted the possibility that he may have been a victim of circumstances, including alleged involvement of a third party.
The prosecution was conducted by Inspector Nur Shafiqa Nyaie Ilin, while the teenager was not represented.
