A shrimp farm operator is facing the possibility of the death penalty after he was charged with murdering a man last month at the Seri Manjung Magistrate’s Court today.
The accused, Lau Kok Sing, 38, was charged before Magistrate Asma’ Nahdiyya Che Ab. Rahim for allegedly causing the death of M. Kaliswaram, 45, on July 23 between 10am and 11am.
According to the charge sheet, the alleged offence took place at a rubbish burning area near a shrimp pond in Kampung Acheh, Sitiawan, within the Manjung district.
Kok Sing was accused of intentionally committing murder, an offence under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty or imprisonment of between 30 and 40 years.
If the accused is not sentenced to death, he may also face a minimum of 12 strokes of whipping under the same provision.
Kok Sing pleaded not guilty after the charge was read out, and the court fixed September 7 for the next mention of the case.
The prosecution was handled by Deputy Public Prosecutor Nuranisah Ismah Muhammad Husaini, while the accused was represented by lawyer Jarreth Ong.
Meanwhile, two other men, Ng Wan Hong, 50, and Myanmar national Naing Min Htet, were also charged in connection with the same case.
Both men were accused of intentionally using criminal force against Kaliswaram at the same time and location, an offence under Section 352 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 34 of the same law.
Wan Hong was granted bail of RM1,500 with one surety, while Htet’s case will be mentioned again on August 17 to allow time for the appointment of a Myanmar interpreter.
