KOTA KINABALU: A doctor and his nurse partner in Keningau district have been fined RM15,000, or the value of three head of large livestock, for breaking customary laws by marrying another's spouse. This fine, locally known as 'sogit', was imposed by the Native Court of Keningau on May 12, 2026.
The case involved a 35-year-old doctor and a 30-year-old nurse, who were found guilty of marrying each other while one of them was still legally married to another person. The court ordered the fine to be paid within 30 days, with the alternative of three months' imprisonment if not paid.
According to sources, the customary law violation occurred in the Keningau district, where the couple had been living together. The Native Court, which handles cases under Sabah's customary laws, ruled that the act constituted a breach of traditional marriage norms.
This is not the first time such a case has been brought before the Native Court in Sabah. Customary laws in the state often impose fines in the form of livestock or cash for offenses related to marriage and family matters.
