KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 16 — A store keeper was sentenced to eight years’ jail by the High Court here today after he pleaded guilty to a charge of promoting terrorist act in the country.
Judge Datuk Siti Mariah Ahmad handed down the sentence on Mohd Hafifi Tarmizi, 25, to be served from the date of arrest, which was April 25 this year.
In the judgment, Siti Mariah said the offence was serious as if such act occurred, it could threaten the country’s security, as well as create disorder, cause death and destruction to property.
However, she said, the court took into account Mohd Hafifi’s guilty plea and his last minute decision to not join in an experiment to test explosives at Gunung Nuang, Hulu Langat.
“The eight-year jail sentence is reasonable and apt to be made a lesson to anyone who wants to join terrorist activities,” she added.
Earlier during mitigation, lawyer Ridha Abdah Subari, representing Mohd Hafifi, said his client was remorse and withdrew from joining the experiment for the sake of his family’s future.
Mohd Hafifi’s wife gave birth to a daughter two months ago and mother and baby were at the court today. Mohd Hafifi was also given some time to hold his daughter before the court proceeding began.
The prosecution was conducted by deputy public prosecutor Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin.
Mohd Hafifi, together with five others, including a 17-year-old, were charged with conspiring to promote terrorist acts in Malaysia.
They were charged with committing the offence at No. 2, Lot 3917, Kampung Bistari, Sungai Michu, Batu 13, Hulu Langat near here between 7 pm last April 24 and 1 am the following day.
The charge, under Section 130G(a) of the Penal Code, carries an imprisonment for up to 30 years and is liable to fine, if found guilty.
The five others, brothers Mohd. Anwar Azmi, 33, and Mohd. Nurkamal, 30; trader Izwan Shameer Suzaimi, 25; shop assistant Muhammad Luqman Hakim Abdul Aziz, 22; and the teenager, all from Perak, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The court set Dec 7 for mention. — Bernama
