MELAKA: A mechanic claimed trial at a Magistrate’s Court in Ayer Keroh here to a charge of stealing several clothing items, including bras, from a well-known boutique.
The plea by Muhammad Aidil Mustaqim Zulkifeli, 21, was recorded before Magistrate Uthman Abd Ghani on Tuesday (May 12).
According to the charge sheet, he was accused of stealing nine items belonging to a clothing boutique at a shopping centre along Jalan Lagenda, Taman Lagenda, within the Melaka Tengah district at about 7.50pm on May 10.
The items allegedly stolen included several men’s T-shirts, women’s clothing, bras, shorts and dresses, with the total losses estimated at RM491.
The offence was framed under Section 380 of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of up to 10 years and may also include a fine upon conviction.
Repeat offenders may also face whipping.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Syauqi Mardia Baharudin prosecuted and proposed bail at RM7,000.
However, National Legal Aid Foundation (YBGK) lawyer Muhamad Mawardi Zainudin, representing the accused, appealed for lower bail on grounds that his client had cooperated fully throughout the investigation.
He said the accused, who works as a mechanic earning RM1,500 a month, also supports his mother who is suffering from brain cancer.
The court set the bail at RM2,500 with one surety and fixed June 9 as the next mention date.
