A farmer has been charged at the Magistrate’s Court here today with the murder of his brother-in-law, whom he allegedly attacked with a machete last month.
The accused, 38-year-old Mohd Faizal Awang, nodded in acknowledgment after the charge was read out before Magistrate Nor Syaliati Mohd Sobri.
He is accused of killing 45-year-old Nasir Md Nayan at a paddy field in Kampung Pida 3, Tunjang, between 6.30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on October 31.
Mohd Faizal faces charges under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty, or a maximum of 40 years’ imprisonment and 12 lashes if convicted.
The prosecution is led by Deputy Public Prosecutor Nasruna Anhar Nordien, while the accused is not represented by a lawyer. The court has set January 12 for the next case mention and document submission.
According to reports on October 31, the victim was found dead at the paddy field, with his head severed and lying about one metre away from his body, which was covered in mud.
The suspect was apprehended by police at his home about 30 metres from the scene after being persuaded for nearly 15 minutes while still holding the machete. A urine test on the accused was negative for drugs, and his family stated that he has a history of mental illness.
