KOTA BARU: Touched by the plight of the family of a Terengganu woman who was sentenced to 14 months' jail for stealing two packets of Milo, a local businessman and philanthropist has come to their aid.
Datuk Seri Sunny Ung decided to help the family after reading the news of the woman being jailed for stealing the chocolate malt drink worth RM73.
"This incident of the mother of four is really sad. She stole the Milo just to feed her children especially the youngest daughter who is aged 3.
"What will happen to the children particularly the small ones while their mother is in jail? Therefore, I decided to help them," said Ung.
He said he would supply milk, diapers and other necessities for the youngest child while support the other siblings to ensure they do not stop their studies because of poverty.
"I am lucky that my friend who is a lawyer agreed to give his free service to help the woman in her appeal," he said.
On July 7, the Marang magistrate's court sentenced the 43-year-old woman to 14 months' jail after she was found guilty of stealing the Milo at a local supermarket at 11.20am on May 25.
The theft was caught on security camera footage by the supermarket owner, who tailed her to nab her. In escaping, the suspect left her motorbike behind at the Marang bus station.
She was detained at her home in Kampung Baru Kuala Abang, Dungun, on June 6 after authorities tracked her down using the motorcycle registration number.
She was found to be a repeat offender, having three prior records of theft from other supermarkets between 2019 and 2021.
The accused was charged under Section 380 of the Penal Code for theft, which carries a maximum jail term of 10 years. If she is found guilty for a second or subsequent offence, she may also be liable to a fine, jail, or whipping.
Her case has since caught the attention of many including former Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, who urged the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) to show her mercy.
Underscoring the fact that he was not trying to question the judiciary, Dzulkefly said he was exasperated by what he deemed to be "a decision barren of the concept of proportionality and reasonableness."