Five Iranian nationals face multiple charges in Penang, including stealing from tourists
Wednesday, 10 Sep 2025 5:06 PM MYT

GEORGE TOWN, Sept 10 (Bernama) -- Three men and two women from Iran were charged in separate Magistrates’ Courts here today with various offences, including theft, drug possession and overstaying in the country.

Tarfi Ghader, 33, pleaded not guilty to two counts of stealing RM400 in cash from a foreign tourist at a convenience store at 9.40 pm on August 1 and US$260 from another foreign tourist at Gurney Drive at 7.45 pm on July 30.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Ahmad Danial Amir Saad prosecuted both charges under Section 379 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum jail term of seven years or a fine, or both, upon conviction.

Tarfi, along with his four compatriots, Fazeli Payam, 33; Dinarvand Siavash, 28; Zahra Hasani, 30; and Sara Ghiyas, 19, also pleaded not guilty to a charge of possessing 5 grammes of cannabis at an apartment in Batu Ferringhi at 12.30 am on August 3.

The charge, framed under Section 6 of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code, provides for a fine not exceeding RM20,000 or imprisonment for up to five years, or both.

Meanwhile, Tarfi, Fazeli and Zahra also pleaded not guilty to overstaying in the country without valid reasons, an offence under Section 15(1)© of the Immigration Act 1959/1963, which carries a fine of not less than RM10,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.

The charges were read in Persian before Magistrate Nadratun Naim Mohd Saidi, who denied them bail and fixed October 9 for case mention.

In a separate court, Dinarvand pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Muhammad Amzar Ismail to stealing RM1,000 in cash from a foreign tourist at a shopping mall at 9.20 pm on July 30, under Section 379 of the Penal Code.

Tarfi and Fazeli also claimed trial to drug abuse charges under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act, which carries a maximum fine of RM5,000 or up to two years’ jail.

Muhammad Amzar denied bail to all the accused and fixed October1 for case mention.

Before Magistrate Siti Nurul Suhaila Baharin, Dinarvand and Sara also pleaded not guilty to overstaying in the country without valid reasons, under Section 15(1)© of the Immigration Act. Both of them were also denied bail.

The prosecution was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Lau Shavin, while lawyer R. Thandayuthabany Pillay represented all the accused. — Bernama

Source: https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/202...tourists/190671

Why are these people allowed here anyways

and we don't like black tourist instead

Don't you know? Being black carries the mandatory death penalty in Malaysia

Being white means you're rich and better than the locals

Tourists or student visa I suppose. There are a lot of Iranians in the British Embassy studying TESL.

It seems many of our tourists are bringing their bad habits to Malaysia. The tourists here are regardless of nationalities, race or religion. Need to nip all these in the bud to prevent Malaysia as a destination for the ‘bad tourists’ etc.

It seems there are over 100k Iranian residing here.

i don't think we malaysians are racist but our immigration officers are

they prefer these people over black people not knowing some africans are actually rich AF

Ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Malaysia

How do you deny overstaying charges? Authority read their wssport wrongly izit??

Some Japanese, Spanish, and Portuguese, would say the same thing too.

Now the prosecution need to prove the whole case of overstaying. So make more work for the prosecution

Its not as simple as showing their passport

As many problems as Malaysia has, Evidence law still exists

Thais, Bali etc.

There are very skinny middle eastern types also roving around bukit bintang, asking people if they can speak english, claiming to need airfare back to Iran. I told one who looked like a druggie to go find his embassy and he'd get NO HELP from me, very loudly. he wisely moved along.

Outside KL Pavilion there are also bands of other middle eastern types who claim to be from palestine/israel depending on who they ask for money from. They got the same response from me.

It is standard MO, from what I experienced. The lawyers will advise their clients to plead not guilty.

I know cos many years ago, one of the company I worked for exceeded the schedule B effluent (before I joined the company, of course). As I was also in charge for ESH, it falls under me to attend the court. Met with the lawyer from a very reputable law firm in KL. the first thing the lawyer told me was don’t admit guilt. I argued with him that the data showed the effluent exceeded plus my internal investigation showed there are some ‘issues with the flow of waste water form the lines’. He still insisted no admission on guilt. Then later, he admitted cannot argue and I attended the SA court. In the end, kena fine close to 50k… maybe those in the law industry can advise…

Not only Middle Eastern. Someone posted that in Genting, you have the mainland Chinese. Then you have the back packers who put a can at roadside and hope for donations to fund their travels… 😂😂😂😂😂

Who among you were surprised to hear this?

loya buruk just want to make more money!

irania moi ada?

Almost as if begpackers aren't limited to one nationality