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New Straits Times
5 days ago
- New Straits Times
Geng Upik leader, accomplice jailed for organised crime, drug links
KOTA KINABALU: Two individuals, including the leader of 'Geng Upik', were sentenced to prison by the High Court here today. Datuk Maslan Sani, 42, who was identified as the leader, was sentenced to five years' imprisonment after pleading guilty to being a member of the organised crime group between 2015 and 2023. Nelson Yen Yee Chung, 47, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment after pleading guilty to an alternative charge of aiding the organised crime group. Both accused entered their pleas before Judge Datuk Dr Lim Hock Leng. Maslan was charged under Section 130V(1) of the Penal Code, which provides for a prison sentence of up to 20 years. Meanwhile, the alternative charge against Nelson was framed under Section 130W of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years' imprisonment upon conviction. According to the facts of the case, Maslan was arrested at 2.30am on Dec 25, 2023, at an entertainment outlet in Penampang on suspicion of involvement in the organised crime group. Investigations showed the accused played the role of group leader and was involved in drug trafficking activities alongside other members to gain material benefits. The investigation also revealed that the organised crime group 'Geng Upik' was involved in drug trafficking activities connected to several serious offences, including three cases in Tawau and one in Manggatal. In Tawau, authorities seized 53kg of syabu linked to 'Geng Upik'. The investigation also led to the arrest of an individual who assisted the group, namely Syafilah Pawawoi, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison for drug offences. Another individual who also allegedly assisted 'Geng Upik' is currently on trial at the Tawau High Court under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. In Manggatal, the group was linked to the seizure of 4.6kg of syabu. In Nelson's case, he was arrested on Dec 25, 2023 in Inanam. The investigation found, among other things, that the accused had assisted the organised crime group by attending meetings and helping to manage its business and financial affairs. Both accused, through their respective lawyers, asked for a lenient sentence. Lawyer Hamid Ismail, representing Maslan, said that the accused is a divorcee with nine children, aged between three and 18, to support. He also informed the court that the accused was a first-time offender and expressed remorse for his actions. Lawyers Datuk Ram Singh and Prem Elmer Ganasan, representing Nelson, informed the court that this was his (Nelson's) first offence and that he regretted his actions. The prosecution was conducted by deputy public prosecutors Datuk Nazran Mohd Sham, Lina Hanini Ismail, Siti Hajar Mat Radzi, and Nur Ainaa Ridzwan. Meanwhile, the trial of three other individuals – Zulkahar Dusing, 38, Rahman Burijin, 44, and Jaisalfian Jaineh @ Zaini, 45 – who are facing charges of being members of 'Geng Upik', is set to take place from July 15 to July 18. In total, 15 individuals have been charged in connection with the 'Geng Upik' case. However, previously, 10 individuals had pleaded guilty to the alternative charge of aiding an organised crime group and were sentenced to three years' imprisonment each.
Daily Express
16-05-2025
- Daily Express
Molesting 13-year-old: Aussie freed
Published on: Friday, May 16, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 16, 2025 By: Lagatah Toyos Text Size: Jack (right) with his counsel Liew Hon Min after the proceedings yesterday. TAWAU: An elderly Australian citizen was freed from a charge of physical sexual harassment against a 13-year-old girl after the Tawau High Court on Thursday allowed his appeal to overturn the conviction and five-year prison sentence. Judge Datuk Duncan Sikodol made the decision for Jack Kwong, 75, who appealed against the sentence and conviction imposed on him by the Sessions Court Judge. Advertisement In his judgment on Thursday, Duncan stated that although a conviction can be based on uncorroborated testimony of a child under Section 18 of the Act, the trial judge must exercise caution when convicting solely based on a child's testimony. He added that the prosecution's failure to call the victim's mother and her aunty who were key witnesses, left several unanswered reasonable doubts. On Sept 26, 2024, Kwong was sentenced to five years' jail after the Tawau Sessions Court found that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt and convicted Kwong. He was accused of physically sexually assaulting the victim at a house in Taman Pick Yard, Jalan Mawar, here between 7.20am and 8am on May 20, 2023, by allegedly kissing and molesting her. The offence under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which provides for a jail term of up to 20 years and whipping, on conviction. This case involved a cross-appeal, with the prosecution appealing the length of the prison term, while Kwong appealed against his conviction and sentence. Kwong was formerly a Malaysian citizen before obtaining Australian citizenship, and he reportedly returned to the country every two years to visit friends. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
