A 26-year-old man has been sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to stealing a woman’s underwear in Kota Kinabalu.
Amirul Syafien Abdullah admitted to stealing two pairs of women’s panties and three bras, valued at approximately RM70, from a house in Kampung Haji Matahir at about 3am on July 10.
During the court proceedings, Magistrate Dayang Aidaku Amira Aminuddin questioned the accused over his motive for stealing the used undergarments.
“What did you do with the stolen underwear? Who was it for? Was it for your own use?” the magistrate asked.
She also remarked that it was unlikely the items had been taken without reason, pointing out that they were used garments rather than new ones.
The accused, who worked as a building contractor, simply replied, “No, Your Honour,” and remained silent when further questioned.
He was charged under Section 380 of the Penal Code, which provides for up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine upon conviction.
The prosecution urged the court to impose an appropriate sentence as a deterrent.
Although the unrepresented accused appealed for leniency, saying he had an unstable income and was supporting his elderly grandmother, the court sentenced him to 12 months in prison, effective from the date of his arrest on July 10.
