The wife of the Indonesian security guard who was charged with murdering an Ambank officer in Subang Jaya, was today sentenced to six months in jail by the Magistrates Court in Petaling Jaya for overstaying in the country.

Magistrate K B Elina Hong Tze Lan ordered Helpia, 35, also an Indonesian, to serve the sentence from the date of her arrest on Oct 24, after she pleaded guilty to the charge.

Helpia, a mother of three, was accused of overstaying since April 16 2009 under Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.

Her husband La Ode Ardi Rasila, 36, was charged in the same court earlier this morning, with murder of the bank officer last month.

Six other compatriots of La Ode pleaded guilty in the same court to several charges including using forged identity cards, entering Malaysia illegally and overstaying.

The six, La Saudi, 32, La Samuri, 35, La Epo, Sofiah, Maimunah, 35, and Lauto Lauli, 33, were sentenced to between six months and a year in jail and caning.

Another friend of La Ode, security guard La Polo, 28, was sentenced to two years in jail and two strokes of the cane for entering the country illegally and for causing the loss of evidence related to La Ode's case.

Meanwhile, in the Sessions Court, La Polo pleaded not guilty to possessing RM21,800 in stolen cash belonging to Ambank on Oct 24 at Wisma Kok, Lot 766, Jalan Subang 4, Off Persiaran Subang, Subang Jaya.

He faces up to 20 years in jail and fine under Section 412 of the Penal Code, upon conviction.

Judge Yasmin Abdul Razak did not allow bail and scheduled Dec 19 for mention.

The prosecution at the Magistrates Court was conducted by deputy public prosecutor (DPP) Tan Gin Han, Sessions Court by DPP Nur Aishah Ahmad Zakiuddin, while all the accused were unrepresented.

- Bernama