BATU PAHAT: A 61-year-old fruit supplier was fined RM2,000 by the Yong Peng magistrate's court here after he pleaded guilty to trespassing and assaulting a man in connection with a RM15,000 debt dispute.
Magistrate Suhaila Shafi'uddin handed down the sentence to Lai Kwan Hock after he admitted he had entered a 31-year-old man's home without permission and caused injury to him.
The incident occurred on Nov 11 at 4 pm in Taman Muhibbah, Yong Peng.
Lai faced charges under Section 448 of the Penal Code for trespassing, which carries a penalty of up to three years in prison, a RM5,000 fine, or both.
For the second charge, causing intentional harm under Section 323 of the Penal Code, he could face up to a year in prison, a RM2,000 fine, or both.
Prosecutors said Lai visited the home to seek repayment for the fruits he supplied to the victim's brother. When he failed to locate him, an altercation ensued, during which Lai punched and kicked the victim, causing injuries.
Deputy public prosecutor Farah Wahidah Mohd Sharip represented the prosecution, while Lai was represented by Tan Song Yan from the National Legal Aid Foundation.
The court imposed a RM1,000 fine for each charge, with an alternative two-month prison term if Lai fails to pay.