TAWAU: A single father was sentenced to two years' jail by the Sessions Court here today for abusing his 7-year-old son in October last year.
Judge Ahmad Faizadh Yahaya handed down the sentence to the 29-year-old under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 after the accused pleaded guilty to the charge.
The court also ordered that the sentence be effective from the date of his arrest on Oct 12, 2024.
The accused was instructed to furnish a RM2,000 good behaviour bond with a local guarantor fTAWAU: A 29-year-old single father was sentenced to two years in prison by the Sessions Court today for abusing his seven-year-old son in October last year.
Judge Ahmad Faizadh Yahaya convicted the Filipino man, who holds IMM13 refugee status, under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to RM50,000, or both.
The court ordered that the sentence commence from the date of his arrest - Oct 12, last year.
Additionally, he was instructed to provide a RM2,000 good behaviour bond with a local guarantor for two years and to complete 120 hours of community service within 12 months after his release.
He committed the abuse at a house in Kampung Sungai Buaya, Batu 3 Jalan Apas, at 10.45am on Oct 12.
He struck his son with a belt after becoming angry when the boy played marbles, causing visible injuries.
The incident was witnessed by the wife of the victim's uncle, who recorded the act and subsequently lodged a police report.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Shearil Aizad Murnizam represented the state, while lawyer Chen Wen Jye provided pro bono representation for the accused.
In mitigation, Chen highlighted the accused's guilty plea, which avoided a lengthy trial, and his expressed remorse.
"The accused deeply regrets his actions. On the day of the incident, he was merely trying to discipline his son, who has sensitive skin and eczema, to prevent him from playing in the sand," said Chen.
The court also heard that the boy is now under his mother's care and that this was the accused's first offence.
Chen further requested the court to exempt his client from referral to the Malaysian Immigration Department.