Alsid Fatolla, 30, pleaded guilty before magistrate Jessica Ombou Kakayun to committing the offence on Nov 27, at 9.50pm at Airside Gate 8 of the KKIA. - Pic courtesy of The Investigation Team
Alsid Fatolla, 30, pleaded guilty before magistrate Jessica Ombou Kakayun to committing the offence on Nov 27, at 9.50pm at Airside Gate 8 of the KKIA. - Pic courtesy of The Investigation Team

KOTA KINABALU: An undocumented man who trespassed at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment by the Magistrate's Court, here.

Alsid Fatolla, 30, pleaded guilty before magistrate Jessica Ombou Kakayun to committing the offence on Nov 27, at 9.50pm at Airside Gate 8 of the KKIA.

The offence under Section 5(1) of the Protected Areas and Protected Places Act 1959, punishable under Section 7(1) of the same act, provides for imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of RM1,000 or both, upon conviction.

The court ordered Alsid to run the custodial sentence from the date of arrest on Nov 27. He will be referred to the Immigration Department upon the end of his imprisonment.

The facts of the case stated that the accused who worked as a labourer entered KKIA by climbing over a fence near the main road, then walked 7m across the airline runway until he reached Airside Gate 8.

He then approached an AirAsia aircraft which was about to depart for Johor Baru. The accused then tried to board the flight through the back stairs but was apprehended by staff.

He was brought to the KKIA police station for further action. A thorough investigation revealed that the accused wanted to look for his relative in Kuala Lumpur.

Inspector Albert Basiri prosecuted while the accused was unrepresented.