Former deputy public prosecutor Samantha Chong has called for consistent sentencing guidelines after a senior citizen was handed a one-month prison sentence for stealing sardines, mouthwash, and coffee powder.
“The sentence must be proportionate to the gravity of the offence and the offender’s degree of responsibility.
“We need sentencing guidelines like in the UK,” she told Malaysiakini.
Sentencing guidelines are needed to ensure punishment given by the court is consistent and take into consideration all relevant mitigating and aggravating factors, she added.
Jamaluddin Yusof, 64, admitted to stealing 10 cans of sardines, four bottles of mouthwash, and two bottles of Nescafe from a convenience store in Parit Raja, Johor, on April 18.
He was charged under Section 380 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum jail term of 10 years, at the Batu Pahat Magistrate’s Court last week.
The accused, a widower, appealed for a lighter sentence on the grounds that he needed to support his children.
Chong suggested that an alternative punishment could have been applied in this case.
“It costs RM50 a day, per inmate for food, basic necessities, salaries of prison staff, etc.
“In this case 30xRM50=RM1,500.
“There is an alternative punishment under the Offenders Compulsory Attendance Act 1954.
"In this case, offenders undergo community service and keep their job,” she said.
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