SEREMBAN: A 62-year-old male suspect believed to have caused an explosion with an improvised explosive device (IED) in Nilai near here on Dec 22 will be slapped with five charges in court on Friday (Jan 9).
Nilai police chief Supt Johari Yahya said that the man would face three charges for possessing explosives with the intent to cause injury.
These offences were allegedly committed in an apartment unit at Desa Palma, inside a vehicle in the Star Valley parking area, and along the main road in Kampung Batang Benar, Mantin.
He would be charged under Section 3 of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958 for the alleged offences.
Supt Johari said the suspect would also be charged for using the IED at the Desa Palma parking area under Section 4 of the same legislation and a fifth charge of causing damage to a public vehicle under Section 435 of the Penal Code.
Section 4 of the Act makes it an offence to use a corrosive substance or offensive weapon with the intent to cause harm, even if no actual hurt occurs, and also covers causing explosions likely to cause hurt.
"He will be charged at Tuanku Ja'afar Hospital, where he is admitted for care.
"Since this has been classified as a high-profile case, the police have taken all measures to ensure public safety was always given priority," he said in a statement.
Supt Johari said the police took such cases seriously and would take stern action against any individual involved.
On Jan 3, police said the suspect made the IEDs as he harboured resentment towards his ex-girlfriend, who left him five years ago.
The suspect reportedly often spoke about his failed relationship with a neighbour.
He was arrested around Batang Benar in Nilai on Dec 27 with burn marks on his face, body, hands and feet.
The suspect is believed to have technical knowledge of explosives after devices and equipment were found and seized from his rented house.
