Two Thai men charged with murder of MMEA sailor during migrant chase

Two Thai men, Pradit Rimat and Rotchahan Tehpuyu, have been charged with the murder of a Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency officer in Sungai Padang waters last week. The incident occurred on October 26-27, between 11pm and 1.30am, at the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia jetty. Pradit and Rotchahan are accused of intending to murder Leading Seaman Mohd Roshaimi Mohd Ridzuan, 41.

If convicted, they face the death penalty or up to 40 years in prison under Section 302 of the Penal Code, or up to 12 strokes of the rotan if not sentenced to death.

In a separate case, Pradit and Rotchahan also pleaded guilty to transporting nine Myanmar migrants in an unregistered boat. They allegedly committed this offense near the Sungai Padang river mouth on the same night. Under Section 26J of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, they face up to five years in prison, a fine of up to RM250,000, or both upon conviction. The court has set January 5, 2023, for the submission of chemist and post-mortem reports.

Additionally, seven undocumented Myanmar immigrants were charged with attempting to enter Malaysia through an ungazetted route. They are also scheduled to have a new mention date to complete relevant documents from the Immigration Department.