The Sessions Court here has sentenced 19 foreign nationals, including 11 women, to four months’ imprisonment each after they pleaded guilty to separate charges of entering the state illegally.
Judge Hurman Hussain delivered the sentence after all 19 individuals admitted guilt under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
The provision carries penalties of a fine, imprisonment of up to five years, or both, and may also include whipping upon conviction.
The accused, all Filipinos, were arrested in a series of operations conducted within the city.
The court further ordered that all of them be referred to the Immigration Department upon completing their jail terms for subsequent action.
None of the accused were represented by legal counsel during the proceedings.
The prosecution was conducted by Immigration Department officers Mohd Hairul Bona and Norhayati Abd Hari.
