SIBU – A local man has been handed a lengthy custodial sentence by the Sessions Court here after admitting to the sexual assault of his juvenile relative. The 23-year-old accused entered a guilty plea to multiple counts of raping his 14-year-old niece in the Kanowit district.
Presiding Judge Musyiri Bin Peet handed down the ruling after reviewing the facts of the case and the defendant’s admission of guilt across three distinct charges. The judicial officer emphasised the severity of the offences before rendering the final decision in the courtroom.
For each of the three criminal counts, the court imposed a penalty of 10 years of imprisonment alongside three strokes of the cane. Judge Musyiri ordered that the jail terms must be served consecutively, effectively culminating in a total sentence of 30 years behind bars and nine whippings.
The court further decreed that the lengthy prison term would commence immediately from the date of conviction. The severity of the consecutive sentencing reflects the egregious nature of the violations committed against a vulnerable underage family member.
The formal prosecution of the case was managed by Deputy Public Prosecutor Puan Cynthia Emmeldia Anak Jerry. The comprehensive investigation that secured the conviction was spearheaded by the designated investigating officer, Inspector Meredolyin bin Marikus.
Law enforcement authorities filed the charges under Section 376B of the Malaysian Penal Code, which specifically covers the offence of incestuous rape. Under this statutory provision, individuals found guilty face a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 10 years and a maximum threshold of up to 30 years, alongside mandatory judicial corporal punishment.
Following the conclusion of the court proceedings, representatives from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) re-emphasised their zero-tolerance stance regarding offences of this nature. The police administration reiterated its unwavering focus on investigating violations against women and minors.
Spokespersons for the law enforcement agency stated that they will continue to deploy resources aggressively to investigate sexual crimes. The department remains dedicated to processing offenders through the judicial system swiftly to ensure justice is served for victims.
