MIRI: A 30-year-old local man was sentenced to jail and six strokes of the cane after pleading guilty to four charges of housebreaking and theft involving business premises across Miri.
The Magistrates’ Court handed down separate sentences for offences committed between May 16 and Jun 8 this year, during which the accused targeted a fruit shop, a bubble tea outlet, a restaurant and a supermarket.
For breaking into Sweety Fruit Store in Mosjaya along the Miri-Bintulu Road on June 1 and stealing RM2,000 in cash, he was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment.
The court also sentenced him to 28 months’ imprisonment and two strokes of the cane for a break-in at a bubble tea outlet in Boulevard Commercial Centre on May 16.
During the incident, which occurred at about 3.57am, the accused allegedly made off with a cash drawer containing RM3,000.
In a separate case, he received 24 months’ imprisonment and two strokes of the cane for breaking into Fish Home Restaurant along Airport Road on Jun 7 and stealing RM500 in cash.
The heaviest sentence, 30 months’ imprisonment and two strokes of the cane, was imposed for a break-in at SL Supermarket in Jalan Cahaya on Jun 8.
The accused stole RM1,600 in cash and caused an estimated RM11,000 in damage to the premises after forcing entry through the glass door and roller shutter.
All four offences were prosecuted under Section 457 of the Penal Code for housebreaking and theft.
Miri district police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah advised business owners and homeowners to strengthen security measures, including installing more robust grilles and quality closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems, to reduce the risk of break-ins.
He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the police, stressing that community cooperation remains crucial in maintaining public safety and public order.
