GEORGE TOWN: A factory technician has been fined RM20,000 by the Sessions Court here after he pleaded guilty to possessing 34 communication devices for illicit sale almost two years ago.
Judge Irwan Suainbon imposed the sentence on Mohd Rizal Ismail, 43, on Tuesday (April 7) in default six month's jail.
Rizal was found in possession of 34 units of 5G routers that were not certified as required under the Communications and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations 2000 at Mutiara Heights, Lintang Hajjah Rehimah in Jelutong here at 2pm on Aug 20, 2024.
The charge was framed under Regulation 16(1)(b) of the Regulations, punishable under Regulation 16(3), which provides for a maximum fine of RM300,000 or imprisonment of up to three years, or both upon conviction.
Rizal, who was unrepresented, appealed for a lighter sentence, stating that he is the sole breadwinner with a monthly income of RM3,500, and also supports four schoolgoing children as well as his ailing mother.
Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) prosecuting officer Nur Nazhzilah Mohammad Hashim urged the court to impose a sentence comensurate with the crime as a deterrent, noting that the items were widely advertised on platforms such as Facebook and Shopee at prices ranging from RM600 to RM800 per unit. – Bernama
