As we near the end of 2024, we reflect on a string of crimes that reverberated through our community, exposing societal shortcomings and delivering justice to those affected. Here is a summary of the prominent cases that have shaped this year.
Child Abuse Cases Highlight Family Struggles
Two shocking child abuse cases have come to light, underscoring the importance of child protection in Sarawak.
In March, Selimah Bilon, a housewife from Song, was fined RM10,000 and sentenced to 100 hours of community service for physically abusing her 14-year-old granddaughter. The victim’s injuries, including a swollen neck, revealed the extent of the abuse, which stemmed from a disagreement over school expenses.
Later in November, Bibi Narcessus Dryddeen Jitai of Sarikei faced 15 years in prison for three counts of neglecting and abusing her two children, aged 11 and 14. The horrifying acts included scalding her son with boiling water and chasing her daughter out of their home.
Drug Trafficking: A Landmark Sentence
The fight against drugs took centre stage in October in Sibum when Iqhwan Syahmie Mohamad, 27, was sentenced to 30 years in prison and 12 strokes of the cane for trafficking 2,206g of cannabis. The prosecution emphasized the societal impact of drug trafficking, calling for stern measures to deter such crimes.
Domestic Violence and Gender Issues
In May, in Kuching, Ibrahim Samat, 69, was fined RM3,000 for threatening to kill his wife with a knife after demanding money. This case shed light on domestic violence and financial abuse, issues often hidden within family walls.
Another incident involved Chin Choon Lian, who slapped her friend at a nightclub over a personal disagreement. She was ordered to maintain a six-month peace bond, reminding the public of the importance of conflict resolution.
Animal Welfare and Public Outrage
A gruesome case of animal cruelty made headlines when Jefrie Drahman, 33, was charged with beheading a cat and threatening to kill his mother. The court rejected his guilty plea, setting a trial for 2025. This case reignited calls for harsher penalties under the Animal Welfare Act to deter such acts.
Accidental Death During Hunting Trip
In April, a hunting trip turned tragic when Roy Panyie, 38, accidentally shot his friend while tracking wild boars. Convicted of negligence and possessing an unlicensed firearm, Roy was sentenced to one month in prison and fined RM4,000. The case served as a cautionary tale on firearm safety.
Concealing a Birth
The year also saw a tragic case involving a 23-year-old Indonesian woman, Jamilah, who was sentenced to 11 months in prison for disposing of her newborn’s body. The incident brought to light the struggles of marginalized communities and the need for accessible reproductive health education.
Tragedy in Concealment: A Life Lost Too Soon
On March 26, an Indonesian woman named Jamilah, aged 23, was sentenced to 11 months in prison for concealing the birth of her baby daughter. The harrowing case began when a member of the public discovered the body of a newborn baby wrapped in black plastic and discarded in a garbage bin behind a restaurant in Batu Kawa.
Further investigations revealed that Jamilah had recently given birth and suffocated her baby using a rubber band and a towel before disposing of the body. The name on the package linked the tragedy to her local boyfriend and coworker.
The defence counsel argued for leniency, citing the accused’s genetic mental health issues. Nevertheless, the case served as a poignant reminder of the need for community support and awareness regarding maternal health and the pressures faced by marginalized workers.
Worker Protections in the Spotlight
In Simanggang, a business owner faced the consequences of neglecting his duty to report a workplace accident. The employer was fined RM4,000 for failing to promptly notify the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) of an incident involving his employee.
This case, in which the employer delayed the report by 10 days, underscores the importance of compliance with workplace regulations. SOCSO emphasized its commitment to ensuring employees’ rights and urged all employers to adhere to reporting obligations.
A Sentence Revisited: Closure After Two Decades
March also saw a significant development in a 21-year-old murder case. The Federal Court reduced the life imprisonment sentence of Peter Merupi, 48, to 33 years after reviewing his appeal.
Merupi had served 21 years in prison for the 2003 murder of a 64-year-old woman in Kuching. Initially sentenced to death, his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment in 2017 following a clemency petition.
This rare reduction highlights the judiciary’s acknowledgment of reformative justice while maintaining accountability for heinous crimes.
Reflections and Resolutions
These cases are emblematic of broader societal challenges — from supporting vulnerable communities and upholding workers’ rights to addressing the long-term implications of justice reform.
As Sarawak prepares to step into 2025, the lessons of 2024 provide an opportunity to foster empathy, strengthen community ties, and ensure that the justice system continues to uphold fairness and accountability.
Let the coming year be one where progress is measured not just in verdicts but in the lives transformed by compassion, understanding, and a commitment to equity.
