A former factory supervisor who sold his plot of land to raise funds for his travel and migration to Syria was sentenced to eight years’ jail by the Kuala Lumpur High Court today for attempting to enter the republic to commit a terrorist act.

Judge Azman Abdullah handed down the sentence on Mohamad Awang, 42, who pleaded guilty to the charge.

He was ordered to serve the sentence from the date of his arrest on Feb 21, 2017.

Mohamad, who has four children, was charged under Section 130JA of the Penal Code with attempting to enter Syria through Tehran in Iran for the purpose of committing a terrorist act.

He was charged with committing the offense in front of Crystal Crown Hotel, Jalan Jambu Mawar, Jalan Kepong Utama at noon on Feb 21, 2017.

The charge provides an imprisonment for up to 30 years, and liable to whipping, upon conviction.

In the judgment, Azman said it was a wrong for a person intending to do “jihad” (holy war) to shed his/her responsibility towards the family.

He hoped Mohamad would be forgiven and accepted back by his family.

According to the facts of the case, Mohamad sold his land to an older brother for RM15,500 for his passage to Syria.

He was arrested on Feb 21, 2017, after discussing with a friend, known as “Anwar", an Indonesian, on the plan to enter Syria.

In mitigation, Mohamad, represented by lawyer Syahredzan Johan, said he was remorse and regretted his action.

Deputy public prosecutor Nurfaida Mohd Rashidee prosecuted.

-- Bernama