SEREMBAN: A 62-year-old man was slapped with a series of explosive-related charges, all of which were read out to him in a hospital ward where he remains under treatment.
Yeoh Hock Sun pleaded not guilty before Sessions Court judge Surita Budin to three counts of possessing explosive substances, another charge of using an improvised explosive device (IED) with intent to cause injury, and a fifth charge of committing mischief after an IED detonated and damaged a pickup truck.
The charges were read to Yeoh at Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar, where he is currently warded.
According to the charge sheets, Yeoh allegedly possessed explosive substances at a Desa Palma apartment, inside a car at the Star Valley parking area in Nilai, and along the main road in Kampung Batang Benar, Mantin.
The offences were allegedly committed between 12.30pm and 7.30pm on Dec 22, and again at about 4.15pm on Dec 27.
For these offences, he was charged under Section 3 of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958, which carries a maximum jail term of seven years and whipping, upon conviction.
Medical grounds: Surita (centre) leaving Hospital Tuanku Ja’far after conducting court proceedings. — Bernama
Yeoh also denied a charge of using an offensive weapon with intent to cause harm, allegedly committed at about 5.55am on Dec 22 at the Desa Palma apartment parking lot.
This charge was framed under Section 4 of the same Act, which provides for up to three years’ imprisonment and whipping.
The fifth charge, under Section 435 of the Penal Code, relates to allegedly using an IED to cause damage to a pickup truck at the same place and time.
If convicted, he faces up to 14 years’ imprisonment and a fine.
Court proceedings were briefly halted after Yeoh complained of breathing difficulties shortly after the first charge was read, forcing a 20-minute adjournment.
The session resumed after medical specialists examined Yeoh and certified that he was in stable condition.
Surita denied Yeoh bail and fixed Feb 12 for submission of documents and to allow him to appoint a lawyer.
The prosecution was led by Norazihah Asmuni.
Yeoh was arrested in Batang Benar, Nilai, on Dec 27 with burn marks reportedly found on his face, body, hands and feet.
