BATU PAHAT: A 43-year-old man claiming to be a bomoh was jailed for six months today after admitting to cheating a woman out of RM26,000.
Mohd Norfadli Razaha pleaded guilty after the charge, under Section 417 of the Penal Code for cheating, was read before Magistrate Suhaila Shafi'uddin.
The case facts state that a woman had sought the services of the bomoh to treat a "mysterious illness".
The bomoh claimed that he could treat the victim for a fee.
Deceived by the accused's offer, the victim handed over RM26,000 in cash but unfortunately did not receive the promised treatment.
The victim subsequently lodged a police report on Jan 18. Police arrested the bomoh the next day to assist in the investigation.
Deputy public prosecutor Farah Wahidah Mohd Sharip led the prosecution, while the accused was represented by Tan Song Yan from the National Legal Aid Foundation.
In his appeal, the accused requested the court to impose a minimum sentence, expressing remorse for his actions.
The prosecution urged the court to impose a commensurate sentence, taking into account the victim's losses.
The court then imposed a fine of RM8,000 and ordered the accused to serve a six month prison sentence if he failed to pay it.
However, the accused was unable to pay the fine and was subsequently sentenced to imprisonment at Kluang Prison.