A former insurance agent has been sentenced to two years’ imprisonment and three strokes of the cane by the Sessions Court after pleading guilty to misappropriating RM150,000 belonging to a client four years ago.
Judge Shahrul Rizal Majid handed down the sentence against Ahmad Zul Ariff Ismail, 39, after the charge was read out in court.
The offence involved the dishonest misappropriation of RM150,000 paid under an insurance investment scheme, which was handed over by a 41-year-old man under the belief that the funds would be properly managed and remained outside the accused’s entitlement.
The incident took place at 10am on January 5, 2022, at a bank in Nilai.
He was charged under Section 403 of the Penal Code, which provides for a maximum penalty of up to five years’ imprisonment, whipping and a fine upon conviction.
The accused, who was unrepresented, appealed for a lighter sentence, citing health complications and ongoing treatment for a serious medical condition at a hospital in Melaka.
He also informed the court that he is a divorcee and currently running a small business, while his nine-year-old child is under the care of his former wife.
However, the prosecution urged the court to impose a heavier sentence, arguing that the offence involved significant public interest and financial loss suffered by the victim.
The deputy public prosecutor stressed that a strong sentence was necessary as a deterrent to prevent similar financial crimes and to serve as a lesson to the accused and the public.
