KOTA KINABALU: A 39-year-old man has been sentenced to 360 hours of community service after admitting he made a bomb-related joke at Tawau Airport in July.
Sabrie Nulsarie, a lorry driver, was sentenced by the Tawau Magistrate's Court on Monday (Oct 21) after pleading guilty to causing public alarm during the incident at the airport’s departure hall on July 15.
Magistrate Don Stiwin Malanjum ordered him to complete four hours of community service daily over three months.
In addition, he was placed on a RM1,000 bond with a local guarantor.
The incident occurred at about 3.15pm on the day in question when Sabrie allegedly made a comment suggesting there “might be a bomb” while a police officer was inspecting the luggage of a woman passenger.
His remarks sparked concern, leading to his immediate arrest, and no suspicious items were found in the luggage.
Sabrie was charged under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code for public mischief with intent to cause fear or alarm, which carries a penalty of up to two years in prison, a fine, or both.
Asst Supt Nur Intan Jamrin prosecuted, while Sabrie was represented by Jhessary P. Kang of the National Legal Aid Foundation.
Sabrie's lawyer appealed for leniency, noting his early guilty plea and his responsibility as a father of five young children.
The court acknowledged his cooperation in saving judicial resources.
