KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court today sent a juvenile offender to 12 years jail for his role in planning terror attacks on government buildings, entertainment outlets and nightclub.
Judicial Commissioner Datuk Nordin Hassan, in sentencing the 17-year-old, said he had to impose a deterrent sentence on the latter to send a strong message to Malaysians who are planning to do the same, and that acts of terror will not be tolerated in Malaysia.
"I am sending this message through sentencing. Terror activities are serious offences which must be fought."
The teenager was jointly charged with four men - brothers Mohd Anwar Azmi, 33 and Mohd Nurkamal Azmi, 30, both general workers; trader Izwan Shameer Suzaimi, 26; and shop assistant Muhammad Luqman Hakim Abdul Aziz, with committing the offence at No 2, Lot 3917, Kampung Bistari, Sungai Michu, Batu 13, Hulu Langat, near here between 7pm on April 24 and 1am on April 25.
They were arrested by the Bukit Aman Counter Terrorism Unit with six others near at the foothills of Gunung Nuang in Hulu Langat.
It was reported that they were arrested while mixing chemicals to make explosives.
They were found guilty of promoting the act of violence in Malaysia, on May 12.
Mohd Anwar and Mohd Nurkamal, were sentenced to 25 years jail each while Izwan Shameer and Muhammad Luqman received 20 years imprisonment, each,
However, sentencing for the teenager was deferred to today, pending a social report from the National Welfare Department.
"Although the probationary report from the welfare officer had suggested that the accused be sent to the Henry Gurney Prisoners School, this will not be suitable due to the seriousness of the crime and evidence of the case.
"While I have to take into account the future of the teenager, I will also have to take into account the public safety of Malaysians,' said Nordin.
Nordin also said that while in prison, the teenager must not be allowed to interact with adult prisoners, and requested deputy public prosecutor Raja Zaizul Faridah Raja Zaharudin to look into the order.
Nik Zarith Nik Mustafa represented the teenager.