A couple has been charged at the Sessions Court here with three joint offences involving alleged mischief by fire linked to illegal moneylending activities at several locations.
Food delivery rider M. Dhinakaran and home tutor B. Rahtheneswary, both aged 34, claimed trial after the charges were read to them in Tamil before the court on Friday (July 10).
The couple was charged under Section 435 of the Penal Code for allegedly causing damage by fire to the door of a house at Menglembu Bestari at about 3.30am on June 12.
If convicted, they could face imprisonment of up to 14 years and a fine.
They also faced two charges under Section 436 of the Penal Code, which involved allegations of setting fire to four houses at Lorong Kledang Utara, Taman Kledang Suria in Menglembu at about 5am on June 11.
The other charge involved an alleged Molotov cocktail attack that damaged a house and a motorcycle in Pekan Razaki at about 4am on June 4.
Those found guilty under Section 436 of the Penal Code may face imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine.
Both accused were unrepresented during the proceedings.
In mitigation, Dhinakaran requested a lower bail amount, saying he has five children aged between two and nine years to support, besides caring for a younger sibling undergoing dialysis treatment and an elderly mother.
Rahtheneswary told the court that her income as a home tutor was not fixed and she also needed to care for her mother who suffers from asthma.
Judge Ainul Shahrin Mohamad set bail at RM11,000 for all three charges for each accused, with Malaysian sureties required.
The case has been fixed for mention on Aug 11, while Deputy Public Prosecutor M. Raveenaa appeared for the prosecution.
