Ayer keroh: A keropok (fish cracker) seller has pleaded not guilty to two charges of using a drone to smuggle tobacco into Sungai Udang Prison, as presented in the Ayer Keroh Magistrate's Court today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Nizam Ab Manaf, aged 46, entered the plea after the charges were read before Magistrate Sharda Shienha Mohd Suleiman. The first charge accuses Mohd Nizam of criminal trespass with the intent to smuggle prohibited items, specifically tobacco, into the prison using a drone. The alleged incident took place at Taman Kris Satria, Sungai Udang, around 1.20 am on July 15. This charge falls under Section 447 of the Penal Code, which could lead to a maximum jail term of six months, a fine of up to RM3,000, or both if convicted.

The second charge similarly accuses Mohd Nizam of smuggling tobacco into the prison using a drone at the same location, date, and time. This charge is brought under Section 58 of the Prison Act 1995, which provides for a fine not exceeding RM10,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Siti Nur Alia Safri suggested a bail amount of RM20,000 for both charges and requested a date for the submission of related documents. In response, Mohd Nizam's lawyer, Muhammad Izzuddin Ab Malek from the National Legal Aid Foundation, appealed for reduced bail, citing his client's modest monthly income of RM1,700 and family responsibilities.

Magistrate Sharda Shienha set bail at RM7,000 for both charges and instructed the accused to report to his nearest police station once a month until the case is concluded. The court has scheduled the next mention of the case for August 19.