A FORMER deputy public prosecutor has called for consistent sentencing guidelines following news reports that a senior citizen was slapped with a one-month prison sentence after admitting to stealing sardines, mouthwash, and coffee powder.
Malaysiakini reported Samantha Chong as saying that the sentence must be proportionate to the gravity of the offence and the offender’s degree of responsibility.
“We need sentencing guidelines like in the UK,” she told the news portal, adding that sentencing guidelines are needed to ensure punishment meted out by the court is consistent and takes into consideration all relevant mitigating and aggravating factors.
According to the charge sheet, Jamaluddin Yusof, 64, stole 10 cans of sardines, four bottles of mouthwash, and two bottles of Nescafe from a convenience store in Parit Raja, Johor, on April 18.
The senior citizen was apprehended by one of the store’s workers, following which a police report was lodged.
Jamaluddin was charged under Section 380 of the Penal Code – which carries a maximum jail term of 10 years – at the Batu Pahat Magistrates’ Court last week.
According to a TV3 report on Monday (April 22), the accused, who is a widower, appealed for a lighter sentence on the grounds that he needed to support his children.
In this case, Chong reckoned that an alternative punishment could have been applied.
“It costs RM50 a day, per inmate for food, basic necessities, salaries of prison staff, etc. In this case 30 x RM50 = RM1,500,” she remarked.
“There is an alternative punishment under the Offenders Compulsory Attendance Act 1954. In this case, offenders undergo community service and keep their job.” – April 23, 2024
Main pic credit: Adobe Stock photo
