Two Thai nationals face death penalty for allegedly killing MMEA officer in Sungai Padang

Two Thai nationals, Pradit Rimat, 22, and Rotchahan Tehpuyu, 21, are facing the death penalty after being charged with the murder of a Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) officer, Mohd Roshaimi Mohd Ridzuan, 41. The alleged crime occurred near the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority jetty in Sungai Padang between 11 pm on October 26 and 1.30 am on October 27.

The charge, under Section 302 of the Penal Code, could result in either the death penalty or a sentence of 30 to 40 years in prison if convicted, without the possibility of bail. The case was heard at the Magistrate’s Court, with neither defendant providing a plea.

In addition to the murder charge, the Thai nationals also faced charges of smuggling nine Myanmar migrants using an unregistered boat off the coast of Sungai Padang, between 11 pm on October 26 and 12.30 am on October 27. This incident, under Section 26J of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 and Section 34 of the Penal Code, carries a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison or a fine of up to RM250,000, or both.

However, both defendants pleaded guilty to entering Malaysia through an ungazetted route at the same time and location. This charge, under Section 5(2) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, could result in a fine of up to RM10,000 or imprisonment for up to five years. A new mention date for the immigration case has been set for December 15, and an interpreter for the seven Myanmar nationals, including a woman, charged with illegal entry, is also to be appointed. Both sets of charges are pending post-mortem and chemical investigation reports.