MELAKA: Two men have been sentenced to 15 months in prison and fined a total of RM7,000 by the Ayer Keroh Magistrates' Court.
Muhammad Hafiez Kamarudin, 30, and Muhammad Hakimi Aiman Asbullah, 19, pleaded guilty to three counts of stealing donation money from mosque and surau collection boxes since April 5.
Magistrate Sharda Shienha Mohd Suleiman delivered the sentence on Tuesday (April 29).
The accused admitted to committing theft with dishonest intentions by stealing money from donation boxes and breaking into mosques within the Melaka Tengah district, between April 5 and April 13.
The offences took place at Ass-Sobirin Mosque in Kampung Gelam, Ar-Nir Surau in Taman Sri Krubong, and Al Hilal Mosque at Pantai Rombang, Tanjung Keling.
The total loss from the donation boxes amounted to RM2,060; the charges were framed under Section 380 of the Penal Code, read with Section 34 of the same Code, which carries a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine upon conviction.
They were also charged under Section 457 of the Penal Code for break-ins.
The offence carries a maximum penalty of five years in jail and a fine.
If the offence involves theft, imprisonment can be extended to 14 years, with repeat offences punishable by a fine or whipping upon conviction.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Wan Abdullah Mohd Rodzlad prosecuted the case.
The court ordered an additional seven months in jail if they fail to pay the RM3,500 fine each.
