SIBU — A car accessories shop owner was sentenced to life imprisonment and 12 strokes of the cane by the High Court here today after being found guilty of distributing 70.78 grams of syabu two years ago.
The accused, John Ting Sing Fong, 36, was also handed additional sentences of two years and four years for possessing 26.7 grams and 119.52 grams of ketamine, and another one year for possessing 1.55 grams of MDMA.
High Court Judge Wong Siong Tung ordered that all sentences run concurrently from May 8, 2023, the date of Ting’s arrest. Ting appeared calm when the verdict was read.
On September 26, the High Court convicted Ting after a full trial which began on August 11, 2024, involving 11 prosecution witnesses.
For the trafficking charge, Ting was charged under Section 39B(1)(A) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries either the death penalty or life imprisonment, together with not less than 12 strokes of the cane if not sentenced to death.
The three other charges related to his possession of ketamine and MDMA were filed under Section 12(2) of the same Act and punishable under Section 12(3), which provides for a fine of up to RM100,000 or a jail term not exceeding five years, or both.
During mitigation, defence lawyers Eliah Lau and Connie Hii urged the court not to impose the death penalty, arguing instead for life imprisonment due to Ting’s health condition. Lau also appealed for a reduction in the caning sentence, citing Ting’s high blood pressure which could pose health risks.
However, Deputy Public Prosecutor Mark Kenneth Netto pressed for the death penalty, stressing the seriousness of the case, public interest, and the fact that the accused maintained his plea of not guilty and forced the prosecution into a full trial.
In delivering his judgment, Judge Wong said the court took into account the weight of the drugs involved and the arguments raised by both sides before deciding on life imprisonment and caning.
This case once again highlights the stern stance of Malaysian courts in addressing drug trafficking and the dangers it poses to society.