Magistrate Noorelynna Hanim Abd Halim handed down the sentence on Salleh Udoh, 37, and Abdul Malek Az Zukhruf Fiee, 29, after they pleaded guilty to the offence committed at Gate 3 of Istana Negara at 4.40pm on May 17.
The charges were framed under Sections 447/451 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 34 of the same code, which provides for a maximum prison sentence of six months or a maximum fine of RM3,000 or both.
According to the facts of the case, the complainant – a police officer serving as a security guard at Gate 3 – was approached by a car carrying both defendants, who were attempting to enter the palace.
Asked why they were at the palace, the men said they wanted to meet the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on matters concerning the afterlife.
The police officer called the control centre and patrol sector personnel arrived at the scene.
They found a black-sheathed 45cm-long parang in the trunk of the car.
Both men were were arrested, and an investigation revealed that they had no legitimate business at Istana Negara.
Earlier, deputy public prosecutor R Harvind sought an appropriate punishment for the duo, considering frequent trespassing incidents.
“There is testimony from the police officer on duty indicating that the two men intended to enter the palace to meet with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong regarding afterlife matters, and a parang was also found in the car’s trunk.
“These factors must be considered regarding the defendants’ true intentions in coming to the palace,” he said.
Both the accused, who were unrepresented, pleaded for leniency, citing family obligations and having no criminal record.
Later, at the sessions court, Salleh pleaded not guilty to illegally possessing a parang at the same location, time and date.
He was charged under Section 6(1) of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958, which carries a minimum prison sentence of five years and a maximum of 10 years upon conviction.
Judge Norina Zainol Abidin granted him bail of RM12,000 in one surety and ordered him to report to the nearest police station once a month until the case is disposed of.
She fixed June 25 for case mention.