TANAH MERAH: Fifty-two undocumented migrants arrested in statewide operations were today each sentenced to five months’ jail for entering the country illegally and overstaying.
They pleaded guilty before judge Nik Habri Muhamad at the Special Sessions Court for Illegal Immigrants here.
The group comprised 15 Indonesians, 14 Myanmar nationals, eight Bangladeshis, six Thais, five Pakistanis and four Indians.
All nodded in acknowledgement after the charges were read.
They were charged under Sections 15(1) and 6(3) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Deputy public prosecutor Siti Khaidijah Khairuddin appeared for the prosecution, while none of the accused were represented.
The court sentenced each of them to five months’ jail.
Outside the court, relatives of the detainees waited anxiously for the verdict.
Many were seen carrying food and other necessities for the detainees.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
