Ting Hong Moi, a Malaysian permanent resident in Brunei, was handed a two-year prison sentence and a BND6,000 fine after being caught attempting to smuggle a man into the country at the Sungai Tujoh Control Post in the Belait District.
She was also found in possession of a small number of vape pods, cigarettes, and alcohol.
According to Deputy Public Prosecutor Nor ‘Adliatul Hidayah binti Haji Mohd Zaidi, on September 4, Ting was stopped at the control post for inspection while driving a Malaysian registered vehicle. Customs officers discovered a Malaysian man, Li Shiang Tai, hiding in the rear passenger footrest.
Li failed to present his passport to the immigration authorities. Customs officials also found 45 cartons of contraband cigarettes inside the car, which Li admitted to have purchased in Miri for resale in Brunei.
Investigations found that Li, whose passport is being renewed by his employer, was smuggled into Miri the night before by Ting. She had initially refused to help, but after persistent requests from Li who claimed to want to visit a sick relative, agreed to take him across the border without a valid pass.
The two were subsequently arrested and charged with several immigration and smuggling-related offences.
Magistrate Syaffina binti Shahif handed down the sentence to Ting on Monday. She also sentenced Li to a fine of BND46,000 or 17 months’ jail in default. – Fadley Faisal
