Unemployed Man Charged With Murder In Jasin Two Years Ago

JASIN, June 23 (Bernama) -- An unemployed man was charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with the murder of a trader outside a barber shop in Rim two years ago.

P. Kogilanathan, 27, nodded in understanding as the charge was read out by a court interpreter before Magistrate Mazana Sinin.

According to the charge, Kogilanathan and three other individuals who remain at large allegedly murdered M. Vinurd, 24, outside a barber shop in Taman Rim Baru between 8.39 pm and 11 pm on Aug 25, 2024.

The charge was framed under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty or imprisonment of between 30 and 40 years and, if the death sentence is not imposed, a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane.

No plea was recorded as murder cases fall under the jurisdiction of the High Court.

Deputy public prosecutor Noor Syazwani Mohamad Yusri prosecuted, while Nur Aida Md Zainuddin represented the accused.

Separately, Kogilanathan pleaded not guilty to a charge of reckless and dangerous driving that allegedly endangered the public in Taman Asia Selatan at about 7.30 pm on March 4, 2024.

The charge was brought under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Amendment) 2020, which provides for a maximum five-year jail term, a fine of between RM5,000 and RM15,000, and disqualification from holding or obtaining a driving licence for at least five years from the date of conviction.

The court allowed bail of RM4,000 for the driving charge. However, Kogilanathan remains in custody pending the murder case.

The case was fixed for mention on Aug 26.

-- BERNAMA