KUALA LUMPUR: A former lorry attendant and part-time contractor was today sentenced to 13 years's jail by the High Court on three terror-related charges.
In sentencing Mohd Shaifful Shahril Ramli, 29, Judicial Commissioner Datuk Ab Karim Ab Rahman said supporting terror activities and terror group are both serious offences.
"Though you have not met the people in the Telegram group personally including the notorious terrorist Muhammad Wanndy Mohamed Jedi, the very fact that you had supported terror activities, is serious.
"Terror activities, like bombing incidences, including last year's bombing of the Movida night spot, usually starts with supporting terror which is then, followed by acts of terror," said Ab Karim.
Mohd Shaifful pleaded guilty to providing support to the Islamic State (IS) terror group via his Telegram application on his mobile phone, under the name 'Anonymous' at No 3, Lorong Indah 1, Kampung Sri Indah B, Sungai Buloh, between June 18 and June 29, 2016.
For the first offence of supporting terror, Mohd Shaifful was sentenced to eight years' jail.
He also admitted to supporting the use of explosives to advance the militant group's ideology with intent to intimidate the Malaysian public through the Telegram application on his mobile phone at the same place between June 26 and June 29, last year and was sentenced to 13 years' jail.
Mohd Shaifful also pleaded guilty to a third charge of being in charge to a sweater and flag, with IS symbol of an item related to terrorism, at the same place at 9.45am on July 22, 2016 and was sentenced to two years' jail.
Ab Karim, ordered the sentences to run concurrently, from Mohd Shaifful's date-of-arrest, July 19, 2016.
Counsel K.A.Ramu in mitigating for a lenient custodial sentence for his client, told the court that Mohd Shaifful comes from a broken home and truly regrets and repents his actions.
"Though it was he was added to the telegram group by Mohammad Wanndy, the fact remains that he never met anyone of them personally. The sweater with the IS symbol on it, was actually given to him by a friend named Khairul.
"He also fully co-operated with the authorities, especially with the police during investigations."
Deputy public prosecutor Noor Syazwani Mohamad Sobry said the court should take public interest, when sentencing the accused.
"A deterrent sentence by the court will deter others from committing similar offences. What is important, the the security of the state, which should be looked after."