A 71-year-old man was brought before the Magistrate’s Court here on Friday, charged with murdering a woman whose body parts were discovered dismembered in a rubbish dump in Taman Indah Permai, Sepanggar, two weeks ago.
The accused, Piluta Samad, nodded in acknowledgment, indicating his understanding as the charge was read out before Magistrate Dzul Elmy Yunus.
According to the charge, Piluta allegedly killed 44-year-old Hamidah Husin @ Lisa between 6 pm and 7 pm on 11 February at an unnumbered house in Kampung Sri Kenangan, Jalan Sepanggar.
The offence falls under Section 302 of the Penal Code. However, no plea was recorded as the case falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court.
The court has fixed 15 April for a case mention to allow for the submission of DNA, forensic, pathology, and chemical reports.
Piluta was not granted bail and will remain in Kapayan Prison pending further proceedings.
The prosecution was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Kareena Kaur Gill Karamjit Singh, while the accused appeared without legal representation.
After the hearing, Piluta appeared composed as he was led out of the courtroom, briefly glancing at the public gallery, seemingly searching for family members.
Earlier on 12 February, several dismembered parts of the victim’s body were discovered in a local rubbish dump. Piluta, reportedly the victim’s fiancé, was arrested the same day. Three of his children—a son and two daughters—were also detained to assist in the investigation.
Investigations continue, with two body parts, the left leg and right hand, yet to be recovered.
This shocking case has drawn attention to the need for rapid forensic response in violent crimes and the ongoing challenge of tracing missing body parts in urban areas.
