'Tekong darat' jailed 2 years for smuggling Myanmar migrant
KOTA BARU: The High Court here today sentenced a 31-year-old ‘tekong darat’ (migrant smuggler) to two years’ jail for transporting an undocumented Myanmar migrant in Pasir Mas in June.
A 31-year-old tekong darat, or migrant smuggler, has been sentenced to two years in prison by the High Court in Kota Bharu. Wan Muhammad Azroy Wan Ali pleaded guilty to transporting an undocumented Myanmar migrant, Nyan Tun Hla, in Pasir Mas in June. The judge noted that the offence carries a maximum sentence of five years and a fine of up to RM250,000 upon conviction.
Azroy, who was unrepresented, explained that he was a laborer earning RM60 a day and supporting his father and two younger siblings. He also mentioned a prior drug-related arrest. The deputy public prosecutor, Zainal Abidin, requested a deterrent sentence, citing the prevalence of such cases in Kelantan due to its proximity to the Thai border.
The prosecution sought the forfeiture of the Honda Jazz used in the smuggling. Azroy apologized for his actions and stated he would not repeat the offense after serving his sentence.
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