KUALA LUMPUR — The Magistrates’ Court in George Town, Penang, today ordered a company director to pay a RM10,000 fine after he pleaded guilty to making death threats against a female lawyer last September.

According to Kosmo! Online, the accused, Heng Hua Kian, 45, entered the plea after the charge was read to him by a court interpreter before Magistrate Nadratun Naim Mohd Saidi.

The court also ruled that Heng will serve 10 months in prison starting today if he fails to pay the fine.

According to the charge, Hua Kian was accused of committing criminal intimidation by sending messages threatening to cause the death of the 36-year-old victim with the intent to cause fear, at Home Taste, Lebuh Macallum, here at about 5.33pm on September 29.

The offence was charged under Section 506 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum jail term of seven years, a fine, or both, upon conviction.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Ahmad Danial Amir Saad, while the accused was represented by lawyer Koay Chun Hian.

During proceedings, Ahmad Danial urged the court to impose a commensurate sentence, noting that the offence had caused significant trauma to the victim.

However, Koay appealed for a minimum fine, saying his client has to care for his parents and three school-going children.

“My client is currently going through a divorce and receiving psychiatric treatment. He was under severe emotional stress when the incident occurred. The accused also apologises to the victim for the trauma caused,” he said.