A 30-year-old gardener has been charged with the murder of a contractor who was allegedly stabbed to death in Kampung Gajah, Perak, last week in a case believed to have been driven by jealousy.
Mohammad Farizzal Fazly Mohd Zulkifly appeared before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, where he was accused of causing the death of 29-year-old Muhammad Fahmi Abdullah. The incident allegedly took place along Jalan Trans Perak in the Perak Tengah district between 4.30am and 5.49am on June 10.
The charge was read before Magistrate Mohd Harith Mohd Mazlan, with the accused indicating that he understood the allegation. However, no plea was recorded as murder cases fall under the jurisdiction of the High Court. The court fixed July 20 for the next mention of the case.
The accused was charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty or imprisonment of up to 40 years upon conviction. Offenders who are not sentenced to death may also face a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane.
The shocking case has attracted widespread attention after reports emerged that the victim was allegedly stabbed during a dispute believed to be linked to jealousy involving the accused’s former girlfriend. Such incidents continue to highlight the devastating consequences of unresolved personal conflicts.
In a separate court proceeding at the Sessions Court in Ipoh, Mohammad Farizzal was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment and three strokes of the cane after pleading guilty to attempting to rape a 25-year-old woman on the same day as the fatal incident.
Judge Jean Sharmila Jesudason also ordered the accused to remain under police supervision for three years after completing his prison sentence. He was further directed to undergo rehabilitation counselling throughout his incarceration.
According to court documents, the attempted rape allegedly took place inside a vehicle parked at a palm oil plantation in Seberang Perak, Kampung Gajah, at approximately 5am on June 10. Investigators said the accused had met the woman to discuss their relationship and persuade her to reconcile with him.
While inside the vehicle, the accused allegedly produced a knife and pressured the woman to engage in sexual intercourse. The victim reportedly refused his advances.
The accused was charged under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code read together with Section 511, which deals with attempted offences. The law provides for a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and whipping, while attempts carry penalties that may reach up to half of the maximum punishment prescribed.
During mitigation, the unrepresented accused appealed for leniency, telling the court that he earns only RM1,500 a month as a school gardener. He also said his father performs odd village jobs while his mother is unemployed.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Nor Arfahanim Azureen Arfanuddin urged the court to impose a firm sentence, describing the offence as serious and one that had left the victim suffering emotional and psychological trauma. She also requested police supervision and rehabilitation measures to prevent future offences.
The case has sparked public discussion over violent crimes linked to relationship disputes, with many calling for greater awareness and intervention before personal conflicts escalate into tragedy.
