BATU PAHAT: Three men, including one with a prior criminal record, pleaded guilty to charges of breaking into a chicken rice shop here in October.
The break-in, which was captured on closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, went viral after being shared on social media platforms.
The accused — Muhammad Aidil Yusrimanzi, 21, Muhammad Umar Izwan Hamizan, 19, and Idel Den Akhmal Razali, 20 — pleaded guilty to the charges at the magistrate's court here before magistrate Suhaila Shafi'uddin, today.
The court was informed that the trio broke into the shop, owned by a 35-year-old man, in Taman Universiti, Parit Raja, at 5.15am on Oct 31.
They were charged under Section 457 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 34, which carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison, whipping, or a fine for repeat offenders.
Police investigations revealed that the shop owner filed a report after an employee alerted him to the break-in.
CCTV footage showed two of the men stealing a tablet and cash from the shop.
The police arrested the suspects at different locations on separate days, with all three testing positive for methamphetamine.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Farah Wahidah Mohd Sharip handled the prosecution, while the accused were represented by Kamarulariffin Nordin from the National Legal Aid Foundation.
The court also reviewed a social report submitted by Batu Pahat Welfare Department officer Faezah Ajmain.
As a result, the court sentenced Muhammad Aidil to four months' imprisonment and Idel Den to two months. Muhammad Umar was ordered to complete 150 hours of community service over 24 months.