KOTA KINABALU: A woman who started a food business to provide for her single mother and siblings was fined RM50,000, in default 10 months' jail, for hiring five illegal immigrants.
Surianntie Said, 36, who appeared before Sessions Court Judge Azreena Aziz pleaded guilty to a charge under Section 55B of the Immigration Act 1959/63, punishable under Section 55B (1) of the same Act.
It carries a minimum fine of RM10,000 and not exceeding RM50,000 or imprisonment of up to 12 months or both for each worker employed, upon conviction.
Surianntie admitted to employing five Indonesians, three men and two women aged between 31 and 57, at Dapur Sabindo in Jalan Tandek, Kota Marudu, on March 30, at 11.20am.
During mitigation, Surianntie's voice cracked with emotion as she asked the court's mercy to impose a lenient sentence on her.
Surianntie said she was remorseful for her action and explained to the court that she had just started her food business and was still learning.
She told the court that her mother, who is a single mother had hypertension and diabetes, needed medical attention.
"I'm coming from an unwealthy family. I have six siblings, and all of us have no permanent job. That is why I try my luck to get involved in the food business to support my mother and siblings.
"I'm still new in this business and still learning. This is a great lesson for me. My business was not good and I'm struggling to pay the shop rent.
"I hope the court can impose a low fine and allow me to pay the fine in instalments," she said in tears.
However, Prosecuting Officer Zaifee Zaimin from the Immigration Department urged the court to impose an adequate sentence as such cases had been rampant.
The court has granted Surianntie's application to pay the fine by instalments.
In another case at the same court, a man was fined RM5,000, in default two months' jail for letting an undocumented Indonesian man to live in his restaurant.
Mohd Aidil Ikhmal Sabli, 31, admitted to allowing the 37-year-old foreigner to stay in his premises at Restoran D'Kampung & Katering in Kota Marudu on March 4, at 10.15am.
The offence under Section 55E(1) of the Immigration Act, punishable under Section 55E(2) of the same Act provides a fine of between RM5,000 and RM30,000, or imprisonment of up to a year, or both, for each illegal immigrant involved, upon conviction.
Mohd Aidil was unrepresented while Zaifee prosecuted.
