KENINGAU: A man has worked as a teacher at a secondary school in Sabah for 29 years using a fake MyKad.
Ridal Abdul Kadir was sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment and fined RM6,000 in default six months' jail.
The 54-year-old pleaded guilty before Magistrate Nur Asyraf Zolhani to having a fake MyKad bearing the serial number 700711-12-5369 to work as a teacher at SMK Kemabong, Tenom.
Following a public complaint, Ridal was arrested on Jan 29, 2024, at 11.30am after an inspection at a parking lot of the school teachers' quarters.
He was then taken to the National Registration Department (NRD) at UTC Keningau branch on the same day and was re-arrested at 2.30pm for further action.
Upon checking the NRD system, it was found out that Ridal is a Temporary Resident and not a Malaysian citizen as stated on his fake MyKad.
A thorough investigation also confirmed that Ridal has been employed as a teacher at SMK Kemabong, Tenom, Sabah, since 1994, based on several appointment letters, including his pensioner status grant letter and employer confirmation letter.
In mitigation, counsel Korventt Wheezar asked for leniency and an opportunity for the accused, who is a first-time offender, to turn over a new leaf in the future.
He submitted, among others, that the only reason Ridal had for taking such a risk, was for none other than to realise his passion and dream of becoming a dedicated educator and teacher.
"He has educated many outstanding students and sportsmen in his years of teaching, and he did all of that with pride and dedication, simply because educating children is, and will always be his utmost passion.
"Prior to the charge preferred against him as well, he was due for retirement but ultimately, he would not be receiving any benefits considering the circumstances and nature of the charge against him.
"It is therefore inevitable that after the passing of the sentence on the accused, he will lose all the benefits due and will receive punishment instead."
He said Ridal, who is married with four children, is also remorseful and apologises to everyone who may have been affected by his actions.
NRD prosecuting officer Mohd Naser Mohd Nadzeri urged for a deterrent sentence taking into account public interest, social justice, and the seriousness of the case as it involves the country's sovereignty.
In this case, the accused is a temporary resident with both Indonesian parents.
"Whatever the reason put forward to justify the possession of a fake identity card is irrelevant.
"The accused has also used this fake identity card to work as a teacher for approximately 29 years and has enjoyed benefits as a civil servant."