Two Chilean nationals pleaded guilty to culpable homicide and were sentenced to two years' jail at the Kuala Lumpur High Court today.

Fernando Esteban Candian Olcay, 32, and Felipe Andres Osiacadz Sanhueza, 27, were initially charged with the murder of 27-year old Yusaini Ishak at a hotel in Jalan Pudu on Aug 4 last year.

They were subsequently offered the lesser charge under Section 304b of the Penal Code for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. 

Culpable homicide not amounting to murder refers to the act being done with the knowledge that it is likely to cause death, but without any intention to do so. The section carries a maximum punishment of 10 years' jail, a fine, or both.

Barely a day after Candian and Osiacadz arrived from Australia, they were allegedly involved in a fight with Yusaini, who is said to have intruded into the lobby of their hotel and demanded money from them. 

Justice Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali said if they were to be found guilty under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, they would have been sentenced to death.

The judge commended both accused for pleading guilty at the first instance, after being offered the lesser charge by the prosecution.

Both men spent the whole time under remand and have pledged not to return to Malaysia. 

In sentencing, however, Nazlan expressed hope that both would read up on the country and visit again.

"Both accused are genuine tourists who are professionals and come from good, supportive families and (they) have been remanded since August last year.

"In view of this, and seeking to reflect the key objective of prevention and deterrence, a term of two years' jail is given," said the judge.

Nine witnesses had testified at the trial. 

Earlier, Deputy Public Prosecutor Hafizza Saun, who offered the amended charge, had asked for an appropriate sentence.

Family members of the accused and Chilean embassy officials were in court to observe the proceedings.

Yusaini died as a result of asphyxiation.

During mitigation by their lawyers, led by Venkateswari Alegendra, the accused Candian and Osiacadz had expressed their remorse and said Yusaini's death was unfortunate as they were acting in self-defence.

Venkateswari said the scuffle had resulted in a broken mirror and they had wanted to prevent the Yusaini from hurting themselves or others.

"They are genuine tourists. The CCTV recordings showed the deceased had intruded and they were protecting themselves.

"Both of them are here to visit Malaysia and the pictures of them at the KLCC and (other places) are evidence," she said.

Osiacadz, who was given the opportunity to address the court, said they regretted their actions and apologised to the family of the victim.

Immediately after sentencing, the accused and their family members were seen crying as they thanked the court.