KUALA LUMPUR: The Magistrate’s Court here has sentenced two men to two months in jail for attempting to trespass into Istana Negara several days ago.
Magistrate Noorelynna Hanim Abd Halim handed down the sentence to Salleh Udoh, 37, and Abdul Malek Az Zukhruf Fiee, 29, after they pleaded guilty to the offence committed at Gate 3 of Istana Negara here at 4.40pm on May 17.
The court also ordered both men to serve their jail sentences from the date of their arrest on May 17, Bernama reported.
According to the facts of the case, on the day of the incident, the complainant, a police officer serving as a security guard at Gate 3, was approached by a car carrying both defendants who were attempting to enter the palace.
When asked about their purpose for entering the palace, the two men claimed they wanted to meet the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for matters concerning the afterlife.
The complainant then called the control centre, and personnel from the patrol sector arrived at the scene.
A search of the defendants’ vehicle found a black-sheathed 17.5-inch-long machete in the car’s trunk.
Both defendants were arrested, and investigations revealed they had no legitimate business at Istana Negara.
Earlier, deputy public prosecutor R. Harvind sought an appropriate and exemplary punishment for the duo, considering frequent trespassing incidents.
“There is testimony from the police officer on duty indicating that the two men intended to enter the palace to meet with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong regarding afterlife matters, and a machete was also found in the car’s trunk.
“These factors must be considered regarding the defendants’ true intentions in coming to the palace,” he said.
Both the accused, who were unrepresented, pleaded for leniency, citing family obligations and having no prior criminal records.
Later, at the Sessions Court, Salleh pleaded not guilty to illegally possessing a 44cm-long machete at the same location, time and date.
Judge Norina Zainol Abidin granted Salleh bail of RM12,000 with one surety and ordered him to report to the nearest police station once a month until the case is disposed.
She then fixed June 25 for case mention.
