Robbery Took Place in Broad Daylight
A 29-year-old e-hailing driver, Melvin Yen Wei Shern, was sentenced to five years in jail and one stroke of the cane after he pleaded guilty to robbing a gold shop and injuring a senior citizen in Melaka, Malaysia.
The incident happened at around 11 am on May 22, 2025, at Tai Kwong Goldsmith Shop, located along Jalan Jawa, Kampung Jawa, in the Melaka Tengah district.
According to Kosmo, Melvin attacked Koh Kim Lye, a 70-year-old woman and the wife of the shop owner, during the robbery.
He was charged under Section 394 of the Penal Code (for robbing and intentionally causing hurt), which allows for a jail term of up to 20 years, a fine, and caning upon conviction.
Robbed Gold Shop to Help Repay Girlfriend’s Debt
According to reports, Melvin resorted to robbing the gold shop to help his girlfriend pay off her debts to illegal moneylenders.
The total debt reportedly amounted to over RM200,000 (approx. over S$60K).
Lawyer Pleads for Leniency Over Family’s Health Issues
During the court hearing, Melvin’s lawyer appealed for a lighter sentence.
He told the court that Melvin is the sole caregiver for his ageing parents, both of whom are suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure.
However, the Deputy Public Prosecutor who handled the prosecution requested a punishment that reflects the losses suffered by the victim.
His Family Chose Not to Bail Him Out
Melvin was first charged on May 30, 2025, before sentencing was handed down on June 10, 2025, by the Melaka Sessions Court.
At the earlier court mention, bail was set at RM20,000 (approx. S$6K), and Melvin’s lawyer did not object to the amount.
However, his family declined to post bail as they wanted him to “learn his lesson,” according to The Star.
Sentence Starts from the Date of Arrest
Melvin’s five-year sentence and one stroke of the cane took effect from May 22, 2025, the day he was arrested, as ordered by the court
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
Man Arrested in Thailand for Robbing a Student to Fund His Travels
Bangladesh Homeowner Falls Ill in Shock During Robbery, Robbers Help Before Looting
Tourist in Pattaya Arrested After Robbing a Donation Box for Special Needs Children
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