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Tuesday, Sep 04, 2012
BUKIT MERTAJAM, Malaysia - A shop owner learned the hard way when a magistrate's court sentenced him to a fine that was almost 12 times more than the value of the smuggled items in his possession.

Por Beng Soon, 46, was fined a total of RM33,500 (S$13,400) in default 12 months' jail after he pleaded guilty to three charges of possessing RM2,963.60 worth of contraband cigarettes.

Por was first charged on July 17 and had been earlier released on a RM15,000 bail.

In pleading for leniency, Por said he was a first-time offender and had four young children, a housewife and an aged mother to support, adding that he did not have much money.

Magistrate Chiang Kian Hong fined him RM2,500 for the first charge, RM8,000 for the second charge and RM23,000 for the third charge.

Penang Customs Department officer Supt Khairunnisa Ibrahim prosecuted.

Por paid the fine.