ALOR SETAR, July 31 (Bernama) -- Two Thai nationals pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court today to a charge of possessing a controlled item, namely 160 litres of petrol, in Durian Burung, Padang Terap, recently.
The charge was read to Phatcharee Hama, 38, and Abdulloh Saleesing, 21, from Songkhla, Thailand, separately before Judge Noor Zaihan Mohamad Ali.
Phatcharee was accused of possessing 60 litres of petrol found in a modified fuel tank in the rear seat of a locally registered vehicle under circumstances that raised reasonable suspicion and in violation of Regulation 3 (1) of the Control of Supplies Regulations 1974.
Abdulloh was charged with the same offence after being found in possession of 100 litres of petrol in another vehicle, also with a modified tank. They were accused of committing the offence at a roadblock in Durian Burung on July 27 at 11.45 am.
The accused were charged under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961, punishable under Section 22(1) of the same Act, which provides for a fine of up to RM1 million or a maximum of three years in jail or both. For subsequent offences, the penalty can be a fine of up to RM3 million or imprisonment of up to five years or both.
Noor Zaihan allowed each accused RM10,000 bail with two local sureties and ordered them to report to the nearest police station every month.
The court also fixed Sept 4 for case mention.
Prosecuting officers from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry Mohd Hilmi Abu Hassan and Mohd Sayuti Ismayatim prosecuted. Phatcharee and Abdulloh were unrepresented.
-- BERNAMA
