PETALING JAYA: Two Malaysians were released today from a prison in Bangladesh after completing their sentence for smuggling gold into the republic, the foreign ministry confirmed.
In a short statement, Wisma Putra said the pair, who were not identified, were released following an order by a Bangladeshi court. They are expected to return to Malaysia soon.
Wisma Putra reminded all Malaysians that smuggling gold is a serious crime in Bangladesh and can carry the death penalty. Malaysians abroad should respect local laws and regulations.
It was previously reported that three Malaysians were sentenced to life imprisonment in 2018 for smuggling 45kg of gold into Bangladesh three years before. Life imprisonment is for a term of up to 30 years.
Three other Malaysians were also reported to be serving jail sentences for similar offences.