KUALA LUMPUR: A cadet of a military academy was charged in the Sessions Court with pressing a steaming iron on a junior in the dormitory.
Amirul Iskandar Norhanizan of Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia pleaded not guilty to hurting Muhammad Salman Mohd Saiful Surash, 20, by using the iron in a dormitory room at the military academy’s campus in Kem Sungai Besi at about 11.45pm on Oct 22.
“I plead not guilty,” the 22-year-old accused said after the charge was read out to him by the interpreter before judge Egusra Ali yesterday.
The charge under Section 324 of the Penal Code carries a jail term of up to 10 years or fine or whipping, or any two of the punishments, if convicted.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohd Sabri Othman offered RM30,000 bail in one surety on the grounds that Amirul Iskandar had been accused of a serious offence committed against a dorm mate.
“The victim suffered a second degree burn. The testimonies in court will prove this offence,” he said, adding that the case is of public interest.
“The high bail amount is also to ensure the accused and his bailor would not take the offence lightly as it is actually under the non-bailable category,” Mohd Sabri said.
The prosecution also asked the court to impose an order for the accused not to go near witnesses in the case.
Amirul Iskandar, who was unrepresented, pleaded for a lower bail amount.
“I asked for a lower amount because my parents are government pensioners. I am still studying. I promise to attend every court date,” he said.
Judge Egusra allowed bail at RM20,000 in two sureties.
She also ordered the accused not to harass the prosecution witnesses.
The case is fixed for mention on Dec 27.
