A Single Mother Stole From A Supermarket To Feed Her Starving Child
She said that she committed the act out of desperation.
By Tang Ruxyn — 11 Aug 2016, 07:11 AM
A single mother from Negeri Sembilan had resorted to stealing from a supermarket recently to feed her hungry daughter
Malay daily Sinar Harian reported yesterday, 10 August, that Nor Farina Che Ya admitted to stealing from a supermarket near Dataran Centrio, Seremban 2, Seremban at about 6pm, on 5 August.
The items she stole included mutton, turmeric leaves, a bottle of shampoo, ointment, undergarments, a pair of pants and a tudung (headscarf) amounting to RM262.86.
A distressed Nor Farina said that she makes ends meet by selling discarded boxes and scrap items
She has also been receiving a sum of RM150 government aid every month, but it was not sufficient for herself even, as she is a chronic diabetes patient and has a 10-year-old daughter with hypoglycemia.
She told the court that her applications for Baitumal (welfare aid for Muslims) has been unsuccessful.
"I stole the mutton... lemongrass to make rendang... because I could not afford to (buy the items)," she reportedly told the court amid tears.
According to Nor Farina, she was determined to commit the act despite knowing that it was a crime and a sin because she was desperate.
"I did not think of anything else except my child's hunger. I told myself that I will bear the retribution for this sin. The only thing that I could afford to pay for was the glutinous rice that cost about RM5," she was quoted as saying. she was quoted as saying.
"Like the clothes, I just wanted to know how it felt (to wear them). Not only for me, for my daughter as well," she reportedly told the press later outside the court.
Nor Farina could not hold back her tears as the court allowed the appeal against her conviction and sentence
The Seremban Magistrate's Court freed her on a good behaviour bond for two years over a theft charge, Malaysiakini reported.
Magistrate Rahimah Rahim made the ruling after hearing Nor Farina Che Ya's appeal. Under Section 380 of the Penal Code, offenders could have faced a maximum 10-year jail term, fine and whipping for theft.
Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan Welfare Department director Mohamad Hapil reportedly that said he would send an officer to investigate the single mother’s situation.
On the other hand, Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Council secretary Kamal Amran Kamarudin said they would verify Nor Farina’s claim in regards to her application for Baitulmal.