Latest news with #Sarawakian
Daily Express
21 hours ago
- Daily Express
Syabu trafficking: Sarawakian escapes the gallows, jail term reduced
Published on: Friday, June 20, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 20, 2025 By: Jo Ann Mool Text Size: The charge under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act, carries the death sentence or imprisonment for life and whipping of not less than 15 strokes if not sentenced to death, on conviction. Kota Kinabalu: A 31-year-old Sarawakian, who was sentenced to death for trafficking 2,129.1gm of syabu, escaped the gallows and was ordered to serve 20 years' jail and 10 lashes of the cane, instead, on a lesser charge of drug possession. Court of Appeal Justices Datuk Azman Abdullah, Datuk Azhahari Kamal Ramli and Datuk Noorin Badaruddin, on Thursday allowed Anthony Chan Wei Onn's appeal against his conviction and death sentence. Advertisement The appellate court, in a unanimous decision, held that the High Court Judge had committed an appealable error in applying the presumption of possession at the end of the prosecution's case and applying the presumption of trafficking at the end of the defence's case. Azhahari held that the double presumption had gone against the principle in the case of Muhammad Hassan against PP, warranting appellate interference by the court. 'On this ground alone, we are of the opinion that the conviction under section 39B(1)(a) is not safe. 'However, from evidence adduced during the trial, we find sufficient evidence to support the conviction under section 39A(2) of the Dangerous Drug Act. In the circumstances, we set aside the conviction under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drug Act and substitute it with the conviction under Section 39A(2),' said Azhahari in delivering the decision. Advertisement On the sentence, he said the court had considered the facts and circumstances of the case, especially the weight involved in the present case, and had taken into account the sentencing trend as submitted by both the counsel and the prosecution as respondent. The court sentenced the appellant to 20 years' imprisonment with 10 strokes of the cane and ordered the imprisonment sentence to run from his date of arrest. On May 25, 2023, Chan, an air-conditioner repairman was found guilty by the High Court here of committing the offence on July 12, 2019, at 6.20pm at the J&T Express premises Jalan Lintas, here. The charge under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act, carries the death sentence or imprisonment for life and whipping of not less than 15 strokes if not sentenced to death, on conviction. Earlier, counsel Hamid Ismail, representing Chan, raised three grounds in the appeal and submitted, among other things, that the trial judge had committed three material errors relating to the statutory presumptions. 'Firstly, the trial judge breached the principle of double presumptions. Secondly, the judge changed the presumption during the course of the trial. During the prosecution stage, the judge invoked presumed possession. 'But at the end of defence case, the trial judge invoked presumed trafficking. This shows uncertainty in the judge's mind on the applicable law. 'Thirdly, the trial judge made no indication at the end of prosecution case when ruling that a prima facie case had been established whether the defence was called on presumed possession and actual trafficking or vice versa,' said Hamid. 'If this Court accepts this ground, the appeal should be allowed and the conviction under Section 39B should be set aside and be substituted with conviction under section 39A(2),' he added, saying based on the trend of sentencing, 20 years is a proper period of imprisonment and 10 strokes of whipping. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * 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
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Mirabel retains TSM Golf Challenge crown
KUALA LUMPUR: Mirabel Ting reinforced her status as Malaysia's top amateur golfer by becoming the first player in over a decade to successfully defend the girls' title at the TSM Golf Challenge—matching a feat last accomplished by Kelly Tan in 2012. The 20-year-old Sarawakian, currently world No. 2 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), carded rounds of 70, 68 and 71 for a winning total of 209 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC) as the 14th edition of the prestigious junior event concluded on Thursday. It was another dominant display by Mirabel, who finished a whopping 12 strokes ahead of nearest challenger Wang Xin Yao (221). A three-way tie for third followed, with Nur Batrisya Balqis Abdul Ghani, Foong Zi Yu, and Nik Alicia Miriam Kamil all ending at 222. Former LPGA star and two-time Olympian Kelly had won three consecutive titles from 2010 to 2012. With Mirabel still eligible to compete next year, she could take aim at replicating that feat. However, the best achievement in the girls' category remains with Ainil Johani Bakar, who captured four straight titles from 2006 to 2009. Despite coming off a phenomenal collegiate season in the United States—where she bagged five titles, won the prestigious Annika Award, and finished joint runner-up at the NCAA Division I Championship—Mirabel played down expectations and approached the event with a relaxed mindset. "To be able to come back here and play an event actually means a lot," said Mirabel, who last featured on home soil at the Maybank Championship last October, where she impressed with a tied-12th finish in the LPGA Tour event. "I wasn't playing my best golf this week. Like I said, I've been away for six months at school—I attend Florida State University—and I basically just came back wanting to take a bit of a rest and ease into it. "Overall, I think I did okay, but there's still a lot to work on. I made quite a few mistakes out there, but it's still alright. I was just trying to go out there, have fun, do what I can on the course, and just be myself—not trying to put pressure on myself like, 'Oh, I'm supposed to be good.'" In the boys' division, fellow Sarawakian Anson Yeo also lived up to expectations by sealing a wire-to-wire victory with rounds of 69, 65, and 69 for a total of 203. The 19-year-old held off a strong challenge from Rizq Adam Rohizam (72-69-68) and Hariz Hezri (71-67-71), who shared second place on 209. Nathan Wong (210) and A. Nateeshvar (211) completed the top five. Anson's win further cements his rising status in the domestic amateur scene, having recently clinched the PGM Tun Ahmad Sarji Trophy—where he outplayed a strong field including established professionals. "This is my first time playing in the tournament, and I'm really happy to have won it," said Anson. "It was very competitive this week—everyone played really well. I felt good about my game overall, especially with my ball-striking and putting. "The SEA Games is one of my major goals this year, so this win gives me a good boost. I'll be playing in the PGM Penang Closed Championship next week to keep the momentum going." Leading final round scores: Boys 203: Anson Yeo 69-65-69; 209: Rizq Adam Rohizam 72-69-68, Hariz Hezri 71-67-71; 210: Nathan Wong 71-73-66; 211: A. Nateeshvar 73-67-71. Girls 209: Mirabel Ting 70-68-71; 221: Wang Xin Yao 76-73-72; 222: Nur Batrisya Balqis Abdul Ghani 77-72-73, Foong Zi Yu 71-72-78, Nik Alicia Miriam Kamil 72-72-78.
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Miri chef wins World National Tapas competition with bold Sarawak laksa twist
Liew (right) and Jack pose for photographs during the closing ceremony of the World National Tapas and World Asia Tapas Competition Exhibition and Seminar 2025. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (June 19): Chef Liew Kit Kiet from Miri was crowned champion of the World National Tapas Competition 2025, beating 20 fellow Sarawakian chefs for the coveted spot to represent Malaysia at the prestigious World Tapas Championship in Spain this November. The 24-year-old culinary talent wowed judges with his innovative take on the beloved Sarawak Laksa, reimagining the iconic dish with a daring twist of dark chocolate and coconut cheese. 'I am very surprised and happy to be named this year's champion,' he said when met at the closing ceremony of the World National Tapas and World Asia Tapas Competition Exhibition and Seminar 2025 held at KTS Garden here today. 'It is an honour, and I am really proud of myself, especially since this is my first time ever participating in a cooking competition.' What made Liew's Sarawak Laksa stand out was not just its bold reinterpretation, but the respect he retained for the dish's traditional flavours. 'I stayed true to the traditional flavour of the laksa, but reimagined it in a more modern tapas style,' he said. 'I added dark chocolate to balance the spices, and fermented coconut 'santan' to make coconut cheese.' The result was a nostalgic and comforting yet inventive bite – a tribute to his Sarawakian roots infused with a refreshing touch of innovation. 'For me, Sarawak Laksa is a flavour I always crave for when I miss home. It really comforts me,' said the chef, who is currently based in Kuala Lumpur. Second place went to Chef Jack Owen Atit from Kuching's Kyujin restaurant, who brought his heritage and culinary experience into the spotlight through a dish inspired by 'kasam', a traditional method of indigenous fermentation. The 36-year-old's creation, 'Golden Gem', is shaped into a delicate golden ball, which features Kasam Wagyu at its core while coated with lacto-fermented Terung Dayak. 'The Golden Gem represents our indigenous vegetable Terung Dayak, otherwise known as Terung Asam, which is not really well-known outside of Sarawak. 'So, I wanted to let people know that there are many ways we can use this native vegetable,' he explained. Rather than serving the Terung Dayak, known for its distinctive sour taste, in the typical soup or stew, Jack turned the humble native ingredient into a sophisticated, cold dish that surprised the judges. 'I wanted to highlight how fermentation has always been a part of our way of preserving food long before the existence of refrigerators. 'This dish brings that technique into a modern context,' said Jack, who has been a chef for 15 years. chef Liew Kit Kiet miri Tapas
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Borneo Post
Sarawakian escapes death penalty for syabu possession
Photo for illustration purposes only. – Photo from KOTA KINABALU (June 19): The Court of Appeal here on Thursday sentenced a Sarawakian man to 20 years in jail and 10 strokes of the cane for possessing syabu six years ago. Justice Dato' Hj Azman Abdullah, who sat with Justices Datuk Azhahari Kamal Ramli and Datuk Noorin Badaruddin, unanimously set aside Anthony Chan Wei Onn's death sentence for drug trafficking and substituted it with a conviction for drug possession. The court held that the original conviction under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 was unsafe. 'But we find evidence to support a conviction under Section 39A(2). Therefore, the conviction under Section 39B(1)(a) is set aside and substituted with Section 39A(2),' the panel ruled. Chan, 31, was ordered to serve his sentence from the date of his arrest on July 12, 2019. On May 23, 2023, he had been sentenced to death by the High Court here after being found guilty of trafficking 2,129.1 grams of syabu at a premises along Jalan Lintas on July 12, 2019. Previously, Chan was charged under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the mandatory death penalty or, if not sentenced to death, life imprisonment and not less than 15 strokes of the cane upon conviction. He was represented by counsel Hamid Ismail.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
Sibu medical student earns global recognition in health advocacy
Ting (left) receives a sponsorship contribution from Tiang in recognition of his achievements. SIBU (June 19): Wesley Ting Ri-Hong, a medical student from Sibu currently studying at the National Defence University of Malaysia, has brought great pride to the nation through his outstanding contributions to global medical research and public health advocacy. In July 2024, Ting represented Malaysia at the Asian Medical Students' Conference (AMSC 2024) held in Tokyo. His research project, ''Ensuring Children's Health Rights Amidst Armed Conflicts', was selected from over 20 participating countries and ranked in the top eight globally. The study explored childhood malnutrition and the integration of innovative technologies in humanitarian aid. Ting presented the project at the International University of Health and Welfare (IUHW) in Japan. His team was the only Malaysian group to qualify for the international finals, having secured first place at the national-level selection. Ting was also the sole Sarawakian medical student at the event, showcasing Malaysia's capabilities on the global stage. Ting expressed deep appreciation for Sarawak's deputy minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government and Pelawan assemblyman Datuk Michael Tiang. Citing him as a major role model, Ting acknowledged Tiang's generous sponsorship as instrumental to his international engagements. 'The sponsorship has not only encouraged me to continue striving internationally but also strengthened my dedication to public health and medical research,' Ting shared. 'Receiving support from a state leader is a powerful motivation to broaden my perspective, enhance my capabilities, and contribute to the nation,' he added. Tiang, known for championing youth empowerment, praised Ting's achievement as an inspiration for other young Malaysians to pursue global opportunities in knowledge, innovation, and compassion. Ting's research was later published in the Journal of Asian Medical Students Association (JAMSA) and the Official Journal of the Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia and the Family Medicine Specialist Association of Malaysia, further affirming the academic excellence of Malaysian medical students internationally. In March 2025, Ting once again represented Malaysia at the International Federation of Medical Students' Associations (IFMSA) March Meeting in Istanbul, Turkey, sponsored by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA). During the President's Session, Ting took part in high-level discussions on public health, human rights, peace, medical education, and youth leadership. He also collaborated with the Taiwanese delegation to successfully co-develop bylaw amendments during plenary sessions, advancing regional youth cooperation in the Asia-Pacific. Ting currently serves as the National Director of Public and Global Health under the Asian Medical Students' Association Malaysia (AMSA Malaysia). In this role, he oversees the implementation of major nationwide initiatives including AMSA Health Day and AMSA Community Service. For 2025, Ting introduced two national campaigns: `Healthy Gut, Healthier You' for Health Day, focusing on digestive wellness, and 'HER Voice, HER Right', promoting women's health and safety. He also designed a standardized framework to ensure consistent implementation of public health initiatives across over 20 Malaysian medical universities, enabling students to apply public health principles with real-world impact. Looking ahead, Ting is set to represent Malaysia at the Asia Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM 2025) in Osaka, Japan, continuing his mission in regional public health leadership, with the ongoing support from the MMA. Ting's journey reflects the remarkable potential of Malaysian youth in shaping global public health discourse. With unwavering support from leaders like Tiang, emerging talents like Ting are empowered to aim higher, serve their communities, and carry Malaysia's name with pride on the international stage.
