KOTA KINABALU: An oil palm plantation worker was sentenced to 18 years in prison by the High Court for causing a colleague's death following an argument over RM20.
Judicial Commissioner Ratanah Devi Yusof Perumal handed down the sentence after Risdi Baharuddin, 29, pleaded guilty to an alternative charge under Section 304(a) of the Penal Code.
The court ordered the sentence to run from the date of his arrest on Jan 31, 2025.
The Indonesian man was accused of causing the death of Jiecy Rondian at the plantation workers' quarters on Jan 30, 2025.
The offence carries a maximum prison sentence of 30 years and a possible fine upon conviction.
Risdi was initially charged with murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code.
According to the facts of the case, police received a report of a fight at the plantation workers' quarters. The dispute began over RM20 that Risdi had borrowed from the victim's wife.
When the argument resumed, Risdi went into his bedroom to retrieve a wooden-handled knife.
Risdi stabbed the victim several times, leaving him bleeding heavily and causing him to collapse.
The cause of death was confirmed as a stab wound to the heart, which resulted in severe bleeding.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Lovely Natasha Charles conducted the prosecution, while Risdi was represented by lawyer Mohamed Zairi Zainal Abidin.
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