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Independent Singapore
09-05-2025
- Independent Singapore
Singaporean man charged in Johor with trafficking over 10 kg of drugs
MALAYSIA: A Singaporean man has been charged with trafficking over 10 kilograms of drugs in Johor. Under Malaysia's strict anti-drug laws, he may face the highest punishment: the death penalty. Tan Ban Choon, 47, was arrested during a raid at an apartment in Danga Bay, Johor Bahru, on the evening of April 23. He was among five individuals apprehended in coordinated raids across Johor Bahru, Batu Pahat, Kota Tinggi, and Kluang, as reported by Mothership. The charges against Tan are serious. He stands accused of trafficking 10,024 grams of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) powder, a quantity that carries the death penalty or life imprisonment along with a minimum of 15 strokes of the cane under Malaysia's Dangerous Drugs Act. In addition to the first charge, Tan faces four other charges for possessing various drugs: nine grams of heroin, 44 grams of cannabis, six grams of MDMA powder, and 31.3 grams of ketamine. These offences may be less serious than trafficking, but they can still penalise Mr Tan severely, including jail time and caning. Court proceedings and penalties Tan appeared in court before Judge Mohammad Khalid Ab Karim, where the charges were read to him in Mandarin. He nodded to confirm he understood but did not enter a plea, as the case is set to be transferred to the High Court, which has jurisdiction over such serious offences. According to The Star, Tan is facing charges under Section 39B(1)(A) of the Dangerous Drugs Act, which could see him sentenced to death if convicted. For possession charges under Section 12(2) of the same Act, penalties include a fine not exceeding RM100,000 (S$30,288.7), imprisonment of up to five years, or both. An additional charge under Section 6 of the Act concerning cannabis carries a jail term of two to five years and three to nine strokes of the cane. Tan, who did not have legal representation during the hearing, was denied bail. The court has set a schedule for the next mention on Jul 7, pending the chemist's report. Cross-border implications and enforcement cooperation This case shines a harsh light on the risks Singaporeans face when engaging in drug-related activities across the border. Malaysia's anti-drug laws have been notoriously strict; its judiciary has been shown to impose heavy penalties for these types of offences, regardless of the accused's nationality. According to Mothership, the investigations also revealed that Tan had a prior record and was found in possession of a fake identification document, which could land him in deeper legal trouble. Netizens react to the charge The case has caused netizens to react strongly online. Many commenters expressed unwavering support for Malaysia's strict enforcement of its drug laws. One user summarised the sentiment bluntly: 'He knew the law, he took the risk, he has to face the consequences.' Others echoed this hardline stance with comments such as, 'If proven after due process, then please give the highest punishment. Good job, JB!'. 'This kind of rubbish should not exist anywhere,' another user remarked The overwhelming public approval of the authorities' handling of the case reflects a broader societal consensus in Malaysia on maintaining tough penalties for drug offences. It also underscores a regional ethos that views drug trafficking not only as a crime but also as a serious social threat deserving the harshest legal response. A rising trend in drug-related arrests Drug-related arrests involving foreigners in Malaysia have been on the rise. This is probably driven by the country's position as a key transit and processing hub for narcotics in Southeast Asia. An unrelated but similar case, also reported by The Star, saw another man, Yean Wei Zhen, 34, charged with trafficking nearly 10 kilograms of MDMA powder in Kluang. Like Tan, Yean's case was sent to the High Court, no bail was granted, and the case has been set for mention on July 29, pending a chemist's report. A warning to all travellers For foreigners, these incidents serve as stark reminders of the absolute seriousness of Malaysia's drug laws. Misjudging the legal environment can have life-altering—and, in some cases, fatal—consequences. Read also: Singaporean fined RM817 for undeclared Dyson vacuum at Malaysian Customs Featured image by Freepik (for illustration purposes only)
AsiaOne
08-05-2025
- AsiaOne
Singaporean man charged for trafficking over 10kg of drugs in Johor, faces death penalty, Malaysia News
A 48-year-old Singaporean man was charged in Johor on Tuesday (May 6) for trafficking just over 10kg of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) powder or 'ecstasy', among other drug offences last month, Malaysian news media reported. If convicted for trafficking, he could face capital punishment or life in prison with a minimum of 15 strokes of the cane. The accused, Tan Ban Choon, also faces additional charges for possession of 9g of heroin, 44g of cannabis, 6g of powdered MDMA and 31.3g of ketamine. All the drugs were found at a house in Danga Bay, Johor on April 23 at 10pm, reported Malay Mail. If convicted for possession, he could face a fine up to RM100,000 (S$30,700), jail for up to five years or both, under Section 12 of the Dangerous Drugs Act. He could also be jailed between two to five years and three to nine strokes of the cane under Section 6 of the same act which restricts possession of raw opium, coca leaves, poppy-straw and cannabis, CNA reported. During court proceedings, Tan nodded while the charges were read out to him in Mandarin, according to The Star. No plea was recorded as the case falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court. Tan, who is unemployed, was unrepresented in court. The judge did not grant bail and the case will be heard again on July 29 pending a chemistry report. [[nid:717510]]
South China Morning Post
07-05-2025
- South China Morning Post
Singaporean man faces death penalty in Malaysia on drug charges
A Singaporean man was charged in Malaysia 's Johor on Tuesday with trafficking and possessing more than 10kg of drugs. Advertisement Tan Ban Choon, 47, was charged with one count of trafficking 10.024kg of powdered 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), Malaysian media outlets reported, citing court documents. MDMA is commonly known as Ecstasy. Tan, who is unemployed, was also charged with four counts of drug possession – namely nine gram of heroin, 44 gram of cannabis, six gram of powdered MDMA and 31.3 gram of ketamine. He allegedly committed the offences at a flat in Danga Bay on April 23 at 10pm. If convicted of trafficking, Tan faces the death penalty or life imprisonment and no fewer than 15 strokes of the cane. Advertisement If convicted of possession, Tan may be jailed for up to five years, fined up to 100,000 ringgit (US$23,677) or both.
New Paper
07-05-2025
- New Paper
Singaporean man charged in Johor with trafficking 10kg of drugs
A Singaporean man was charged at the Sessions Court in Johor with five counts of allegedly possessing and trafficking a total of 10.11kg of drugs in April. The accused, Tan Ban Choon, 47, nodded his head after the charges were read in Mandarin before Judge Mohammad Khalid Ab Karim on May 6. No plea was recorded as the case falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court. According to the charge sheets, Tan, who is unemployed, was accused of trafficking 10,024g of powdered MDMA. The charge was made under Section 39B(1)(A) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, punishable under Section 39B(2) of the same Act, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment, along with a minimum of 15 strokes of the cane upon conviction. In the same court proceeding, the accused also faced four other charges of possessing drugs, namely 9g of heroin, 44g of cannabis, 6g of powdered MDMA and 31.3g of ketamine. All the offences took place at an apartment unit in Danga Bay at around 10pm on April 23. The possession charges were brought under Section 12(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and are punishable under Section 12(3) of the same Act, which provides for a fine not exceeding RM100,000 (S$30,790) or imprisonment of up to five years, or both, upon conviction. Another charge was made under Section 6 of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and is punishable under Section 39A of the same Act, which provides for a jail term between two and five years, and between three to nine strokes of the cane. Judge Mohammad Khalid did not grant bail, and the case is set for mention on July 29 pending a chemical report. Deputy Public Prosecutor Siti Fatimah Mamu prosecuted the case while the accused was not represented.
Sinar Daily
06-05-2025
- Sinar Daily
Singaporean man faces death penalty for drug trafficking in Johor
No plea was recorded as the case falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court. 06 May 2025 04:14pm Tan Ban Choon (left) faces the death penalty after being charged in the Sessions Court here with trafficking more than 10 kilograms of MDMA last month. Photo by Bernama JOHOR BAHRU - A Singaporean man was charged in the Sessions Court here today with drug trafficking involving over 10 kilogrammes of MDMA, an offence that carries the mandatory death penalty upon conviction. Tan Ban Choon, 48, nodded to indicate he understood the charge when it was read out to him in Mandarin by the court interpreter before Judge Mohammad Khalid Ab Karim. However, no plea was recorded as the case falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court. According to the charge, Tan allegedly trafficked 10,024 grams of MDMA powder at a house in Danga Bay, Johor Bahru at around 10pm on April 23. The charge was framed under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and punishable under Section 39B(2) of the same Act, which provides for the death penalty or life imprisonment, along with a minimum of 15 strokes of the cane, upon conviction. Tan also faces three additional charges of possessing heroin (nine grams), ketamine (31.30 grams), and MDMA (six grams). For these offences, he faces two to five years in prison and between three and nine strokes of the cane, under the Dangerous Drugs Act. He also faces a separate charge of possessing 44 grams of cannabis, under Section 6 of the same Act and punishable under Section 39A(1), carrying the same penalties. All the alleged offences were committed at the same location and time. Deputy public prosecutor Siti Fatimah Mamu appeared for the prosecution, while Tan was unrepresented. The court fixed July 29 for mention of the case. Last month, police reported that five drug syndicates were dismantled through seven operations across four districts in Johor - Johor Bahru, Batu Pahat, Kluang, and Kota Tinggi, with drugs worth nearly RM9 million seized. State police chief Datuk M Kumar said five men, including a Singaporean, were arrested during the raids. - BERNAMA More Like This
