Truck driver and two cooks fined RM7,000 each for RM2 million chip theft
A lorry driver and two Indian cooks were each fined RM7,000 after pleading guilty to stealing 30,000 integrated circuit chips worth RM2 million from a Penang factory.
In Balik Pulau, a magistrate’s court sentenced lorry driver B. Rashkumar and cooks G. Ilayaraja and V. Sivakumar to pay RM7,000 each after they confessed to stealing 30,000 integrated circuit chips valued at RM2 million from Elite Electronic Product Services (M) Sdn Bhd in Bayan Lepas. The theft occurred on September 20 at 7.30 am, involving the cutting of a perimeter fence and prying open the rear door. A factory manager’s inspection uncovered the loss and noted displaced CCTV cameras.
All stolen chips were recovered at a scrap metal shop in nearby Permatang Damar Laut. Deputy public prosecutor Muhammad Sofi Jaafar sought a deterrent sentence, while defense lawyer Edric Loo highlighted the defendants’ family responsibilities and remorse. The magistrate warned the fine was already lenient given the high value of the stolen goods.
Why it matters
The case highlights security lapses in high-value electronics manufacturing and the legal consequences of large-scale theft.
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