KLANG: The Magistrate's Court here has set Aug 28 as the mention date for the representation status on a drug charge against a laboratory assistant who was also previously charged with the murder of a motorcyclist.
Magistrate Nor Azilah Mat fixed the date on Wednesday (July 22) after lawyer Aravind Raj, the lawyer for 28-year-old accused R. Saktygaanapathy, told the court the defence team needed time to review the charge documents under Section 15 of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
It would then decide whether or not to submit representations to the prosecution, Aravind said.
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"We are requesting time to examine the documents and, if necessary, we will submit representations after obtaining our client's instructions," he said during proceedings which were also attended by prosecuting officer Inspector Rabiul Awal Ishak.
Under the amended charge, Saktygaanapathy is accused of self-administering tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) at the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division Office, South Klang district police headquarters, at 3.30pm on March 29.
On April 1, the accused was reported to have pleaded guilty to the charge of taking benzodiazepine and THC at the same time and location, but subsequently changed his plea to not guilty on June 3.
The charge was brought under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act, which provides for a maximum fine of RM5,000 or jail of up to two years, as well as supervision not exceeding three years, upon conviction.
In separate proceedings before Magistrate A. Khartiyayini, with deputy public prosecutor Salman Alfarisi Nawawi handling the case, the court set Oct 7 as the mention date for the murder case to await the status of the victim's pathology report.
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Speaking to reporters after the proceedings, Aravind said documents for the murder charge under Section 302 of the Penal Code would typically be handed over after the case is transferred to the High Court, should the charge remain under that section.
Saktygaanapathy, believed to have been driving under the influence of drugs, is accused of murdering delivery rider Amirul Hafiz Omar, 33, along Jalan Raya Barat, Klang, at 11.47am on March 29.
The charge carries the death penalty, or between 30 and 40 years' jail with at least 12 strokes of the cane, upon conviction.
Also present at today’s proceedings were the victim's widow, Nor Nadia Abdul Majid, 32, and two other family members. – Bernama
