Lelaki didakwa simpan kabel curi milik TM, halang tugas polis

A 43-year-old man, Helmi Baharum, appeared before Ipoh High Court today, charged with storing stolen telecommunications cables belonging to Telekom Malaysia (TM) and obstructing the duties of a police officer last week. Helmi pleaded not guilty to the two charges before Judge Nur Laila Mohamed Nazil, according to Bernama. He was accused of acting with another individual, whose identity remains unknown, to hinder public servant Faiz Yaakop, a police officer, from performing his duties at Jalan Raja Perempuan Mazwin, Ipoh, around 6:30 AM on October 30.

The charges were brought under Section 186 of the Police Act, read in conjunction with Section 34 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison or a fine of up to RM10,000, or both, if found guilty. Helmi was also charged with, together with another individual, receiving or storing stolen property, a stolen cable belonging to TM at Jalan Pulai Hartamas, Simpang Pulai, on the same date and time.

This offense is covered under Section 411 of the Police Act, read with Section 34 of the Penal Code, which could result in up to five years in prison or a fine, or both, if found guilty. The Deputy Prosecutor, Muhammad Zulqarnain Wan Asmira, offered a RM5,000 bond for each charge, accompanied by a surety. However, Helmi's lawyers, Harbhajan Singh and Canice Chan Hong Yan, representing Yayasan Bantuan Guaman Kebangsaan, requested a minimum bond due to Helmi's wife's monthly income of RM1,600 and his 66-year-old mother's illness with diabetes.

The court allowed a bond of RM6,500 for both charges, with a surety, and set the next hearing for December 16.