A 30-YEAR-OLD labourer was sentenced to 12 months in prison by the Ayer Keroh Magistrate’s Court today after pleading guilty to four separate charges of stealing various types of Panadol and other medicines from mini-markets and convenience stores.
Magistrate Nur Afiqah Radhiah Zainurin handed down three-month jail terms for each charge, to run consecutively.
Muhammad Ridwan Abd Rahman was accused of stealing four boxes of Panadol ActiFast 20s, seven boards of Panadol ActiFast Compact, and three boxes of Panadol New Blister from a convenience store in Taman Nirwana, Klebang, at approximately 4.22 pm on 27 October last year.
He was also charged with stealing assorted medicines worth RM248.30 from a convenience store on Jalan Rambai Jaya around 5.35 pm on 20 November 2025.
Additional charges included the theft of 21 boards of Panadol valued at about RM282.80 in Sungai Udang on 28 November 2025, and a further 21 units worth RM322.10 from Taman Rambai Jaya on 29 January.
Three of the charges were filed under Section 380 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum prison term of 10 years and possible fines, while one charge fell under Section 379, which provides for a maximum seven-year sentence, a fine, or both.
The prosecution, led by Deputy Public Prosecutor Shauki Mardia Baharudin, urged for a stern sentence, noting that the offences were repeated at different locations and times, demonstrating habitual criminal behaviour.
“This shows the accused is a habitual offender. Panadol was stolen in large quantities for personal use, when it could have been used by many people,” he said.
The defence, represented by lawyer Umar Zulkarnain, requested the minimum prison sentence, citing the accused’s remorse and personal responsibilities, including caring for a mother with heart disease and an elderly father. – February 16, 2026