A Wild Fishing Trip Turns Criminal

In a dramatic turn of events, a man's fishing trip led him to face a court's wrath after he engaged in a high-speed chase with Singapore's Police Coast Guard. Muhammad Rasidi Bin A Razak, a 28-year-old Malaysian, was sentenced to four months and six weeks in jail along with three strokes of the cane for flouting laws in Singapore's waters.

Caught in the Act

Rasidi, who had only been working as a boatman for a month, was found guilty of navigating his boat recklessly and illegally entering Singapore. The incident occurred on April 18, when he set off from Johor with two companions for an afternoon of fishing.

Risky Waters

After a successful fishing session, Rasidi unwittingly steered the boat into dangerous territory, just a mere meter from the shores of Pulau Sarimbun—well within the restricted zone of Singapore's territorial waters. Knowing full well the regulations, Rasidi made a fateful decision that would lead to a frantic escape.

The Chase Begins

At around 2 PM, a coast guard officer on patrol spotted Rasidi's vessel and ordered him to stop. Instead of complying, Rasidi panicked and sped away towards Malaysian waters. A thrilling chase ensued as the coast guard officer pursued him, lights flashing, determined to bring him to a halt.

Collision Course

In an attempt to evade capture, Rasidi navigated his boat recklessly, resulting in multiple collisions with the coast guard vessel—one of which sent his passengers tumbling into the water. It was only after the officer brandished his service pistol that Rasidi finally stopped.

Crime and Consequences

The aftermath saw Rasidi and his passengers arrested after checks revealed they had no valid travel documents. During sentencing, Rasidi pleaded for leniency, highlighting that he was a first-time offender and the sole supporter of his family, which included a sick mother and aunt. The judge ultimately reduced the number of cane strokes but upheld the prosecution's request for imprisonment.

Legal Repercussions

For those who navigate vessels recklessly, the law is severe. Offenders can face up to a year behind bars and substantial fines, marking the seriousness of such maritime violations. With this ruling, Rasidi's reckless adventure has come to a sobering end, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers of ignoring maritime laws.