Couple jailed for lewd act at cemetery

GEORGE TOWN - A couple who were caught engaging in lewd acts at a cemetery last Sunday were today sentenced to 12 months in prison by the Magistrate's Court here for gross indecency.

Magistrate Nadratun Naim Mohd Saidi meted out the sentence on M. Jegathesan, 58, and Halila Abu Bakar, 37, after they pleaded guilty to the charge.

They were charged with jointly committing gross indecency at a Chinese Cemetery at Batu Gantung, Ayer Itam, at 8.30 am on March 22.

The charge, under Section 377D of the Penal Code, read together with Section 34 of the same law, provides a maximum prison sentence of two years if convicted.

According to the facts of the case, the incident came to light after a video went viral on Facebook showing two individuals engaging in indecent behaviour at the cemetery.

A complainant who viewed the clip was instructed by the cemetery management to lodge a police report, leading to further investigation.

The act was witnessed by members of the public and supported by video evidence recorded at the scene.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Lau Shavin urged the court to impose an appropriate sentence as a deterrent, taking into account the public nature of the offence and sensitivities surrounding the location.

Counsel R. Purantharan, representing both accused, appealed for leniency, citing Jegathesan’s role as a security guard earning RM1,800 monthly and supporting his wife, who has suffered a stroke, along with their two children. He added that Halila is single and financially dependent on her family.

The case drew public attention after a 38-second video circulated online, showing the couple being confronted by a woman who warned them that she would report the incident to the authorities. - BERNAMA