KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 — A jobless man was fined RM2,200 by the Magistrate’s Court here today for causing injury to an effeminate man.

Magistrate Erry Shahriman Nor Aripin imposed the sentence on Muhammad Zaidi Shadan, 26, after the accused pleaded guilty to injuring Mohd Salleh Mohamed, 35, at Lorong 2, Jalan Haji Taib 2, Dang Wangi, here at 8.50am on Aug 18.

The court also sentenced the accused to three months’ jail if he failed to pay the fine.

Muhammad Zaidi was charged with committing the offence under Section 324 of the Penal Code which allows for a maximum jail of up to three years or with a fine or with caning, or with any two of the sentences.

According to the facts of the case, when the victim was at the scene of the incident, the accused suddenly accosted him and hit him on the arms and ankles with a stick. The argument was believed to have been caused by jealousy.

In mitigation, the accused who was not represented by counsel, told the court he regretted behaving emotionally and asked that the court impose a minimum fine.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Najwa Bistamam urged the court to impose a sentence which would serve as a lesson, because of public interest. — Bernama