ABDUL BIN MOHD DESA

ABDUL BIN MOHD DESA

Although the evidence established that the appellants possessed the drugs with common intention (possession and knowledge proven by direct observation of handling/packing), the trial court's conviction for trafficking under s.39B(1)(a) based on invoking s.37(da) atop a deemed possession was unsafe as it amounted to...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
K-05(H)-205-05/2024 (Mahkamah Rayuan)
Parties
Appellant: Abdul bin Mohd Desa; Appellant: Viji Kumar a/l Rajow; Respondent: Pendakwa Raya
Court
H
Jurisdiction
Malaysia
Judgment Date
8 December 2025
Case Number
K-05(H)-205-05/2024 (Mahkamah Rayuan)
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Appeal Decision (court of Appeal)
Outcome
Appeals allowed in part: convictions for trafficking under s.39B(1)(a) ADB set aside; substituted convictions for possession under s.12(2) ADB read with s.39A(2) ADB and s.34 Penal Code; sentences imposed accordingly.
Legal Topics
Possession Vs Trafficking, Statutory Presumptions S.37(d) and S.37(da), Burden of Proof, Rebuttal on Balance of Probabilities, Sentencing for Possession
Criminal Law Drug Offences Appellate Review Possession Vs Trafficking Statutory Presumptions S.37(d) and S.37(da) Burden of Proof Rebuttal on Balance of Probabilities Sentencing for Possession

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Parties

Abdul bin Mohd Desa

Appellant

Viji Kumar a/l Rajow

Appellant

Pendakwa Raya

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Appeal Decision (court of Appeal)

  1. 1 Whether appellants had possession, control and knowledge of the drugs found
  2. 2 Whether statutory presumption of trafficking under s.37(da) ADB properly applied or constituted a 'presumption upon a presumption'
  3. 3 Whether trial court misdirected on burden of proof required to rebut presumptions

Ratio Decidendi

Although the evidence established that the appellants possessed the drugs with common intention (possession and knowledge proven by direct observation of handling/packing), the trial court's conviction for trafficking under s.39B(1)(a) based on invoking s.37(da) atop a deemed possession was unsafe as it amounted to a 'presumption upon a presumption'; convictions under s.39B(1)(a) were quashed and substituted with convictions for possession under s.12(2) ADB punishable under s.39A(2) ADB read with s.34 Penal Code; appropriate sentence fixed at 10 years' imprisonment and 10 strokes from the date of arrest.

Court Disposition

Appeals allowed in part: convictions for trafficking under s.39B(1)(a) ADB set aside; substituted convictions for possession under s.12(2) ADB read with s.39A(2) ADB and s.34 Penal Code; sentences imposed accordingly.

Orders

  • Quash convictions and sentences under section 39B(1)(a) Akta Dadah Berbahaya 1952
  • Convict appellants under section 12(2) Akta Dadah Berbahaya 1952 read with section 39A(2) Akta Dadah Berbahaya 1952 and section 34 Kanun Keseksaan