One of them said they had robbed the convenience store out of “desperation”.

Judge Emilia Kaswati Mohamad Khalid also ordered for the duo, Nazir Bahli, 36, and Ahmad Shahmi Azmi, 31, to be given a stroke of the rotan each after they pleaded guilty to gang robbery, Bernama reported.

The two friends were charged with committing the crime in Taman Pertama, Cheras, on Aug 18.

They were accused of raiding the cash register and grabbing RM65 when paying for a drink.

Prior to sentencing, Emilia asked Nazir how he could commit such an act, to which he replied: “I was desperate.”

Emilia then pointed out that foreigners in the country worked very hard so they could send money home to their families.

“But you are willing to feed your family with such ill-gotten gains. Who is in difficulty now?” she asked.

To which Nazir replied: “My family and I, Your Honour.”

Meanwhile, at a separate sessions court, Nazir and Shahmi pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery involving RM324.15.

The offences were committed at two shops in Cheras between 8.20pm and 8.30pm on Aug 18.

Judge Siti Aminah Ghazali fixed Sept 26 for sentencing.