TAWAU: A man was fined RM6,500 in default two years’ jail for possessing six bullets without a licence.
Ardi Mat Tahir, 41, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Dayang Aidaku Amira Aminuddin, to having the bullets without permit at a house in Lorong Semarak 14, Taman Semarak Jalan Kuhara, here, at 1.30pm on May 15 this year.
The bullets were found inside a plastic cabinet in the living room of the house.
Ardi was charged under Section 8(a) of the Arms Act 1960, which carries a jail term of up to seven years, or a fine of up to RM10,000, or both, upon conviction.
In mitigation, Ardi, who was arrested during the “Operasi Laras” raid, asked for a reduced sentence of seven days in jail as this was his first offense.
He also claimed that the items were found while he was cleaning a house at PPR Sri Titingan.
Prosecuting officer ASP Jeffrey Kadison prosecuted.
Meanwhile, in the Sessions Court, Ardi was charged with possessing a pistol, an Armscor .45 calibre, serial number 818303 without a licence, found in the same plastic cabinet in the living room.
He also faces a charge for possessing a samurai sword without a permit.
Ardi was charged under Section 8 of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971, which carries a sentence of up to 14 years in prison and not less than six strokes of the cane, on conviction.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Shearil Aizad Murnizam conducted the prosecution, while Ardi was represented by lawyer Abdul Gani Zelika.
Earlier, Shearil objected to bail, as the offence is non-bailable by nature. However, he offered bail at RM20,000 for each charge, should the court allow it.
Sessions Court Judge Ahmad Faizadh Yahaya later set bail at RM15,000 for each charge (totalling RM30,000) with two local sureties, along with several bail conditions.
The bail conditions include that Ardi must report to the police station twice a month without fail, surrender his international passport to the court (if any), and must attend every court mention or trial, or whenever ordered.
The case is set for mention again on June 18, this year.
