Ehailing drivers fined RM35,000 total for transporting illegal migrants

MELAKA: Two Sessions Courts impose a total fine of RM35,000 on five ehailing drivers for transporting undocumented migrants.

Judge Mohd Sabri Ismail and Dharmafikri Abu Adam imposed the fines on Mohd Taufiq Md Isa, 30; Mohd Fhairul Arifin Shaharudin, 39; Shahrulnizam Abu Hanafi, 46; Muhammad Hafiz Rudi,35 and Syed Salim Syed Anuar, 34 after they pleaded guilty during separate proceedings on Tuesday (Sept 12).

Based on the statements of facts, Mohd Taufiq and Muhammad Hafiz had allowed two illegal immigrants to be seated in their respective cars.

The two committed the offence at Klebang beachfront in the Melaka Tengah district between 12pm and 11pm on Aug 14.

The charges were framed under Section 55E of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and could be punished under Section 55E (2) of the same act, which carries a fine of RM5,000 to RM30,000 or imprisonment for up to 12 months or both for each immigrant, upon conviction.

Meanwhile, Syed Salim, Mohd Fhairul, Shahrulnizam and Syed Salim also faced the same charges for allowing illegal immigrants to be seated in their respective cars.

The offences were committed at Ayer Keroh Rest and Recreational Area as well as Klebang beachfront between 12pm and 11pm on Aug 14.

Prosecutions were carried out by Deputy Public Prosecutors N. Sivashangari and Muhammad Nazrin Ali Rahim, while counsel Datuk Hanif Hassan and Umar Zulkarnain represented the five.