Unemployed man charged with murdering trader in Jasin

JASIN: An unemployed man was charged in the magistrates’ court here today with the murder of a trader outside a barber shop in Taman Rim Baru, Melaka, two years ago.

P Kogilanathan, 27, nodded after a court interpreter read the charge to him before magistrate Mazana Sinin.

No plea was recorded as murder cases fall under the jurisdiction of the High Court.

According to the charge, Kogilanathan and three other individuals who remain at large allegedly murdered M Vinurd, 24, outside the barber shop between 8.39pm and 11pm on Aug 25, 2024.

The charge was framed under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty or imprisonment of between 30 and 40 years and, if the death sentence is not imposed, a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane.

Deputy public prosecutor Noor Syazwani Yusri prosecuted, while Nur Aida Zainuddin represented Kogilanathan.

Kogilanathan also pleaded not guilty in the same court to a charge of reckless and dangerous driving that allegedly endangered the public in Taman Asia Selatan at about 7.30pm on March 4, 2024.

The charge falls under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which provides for a maximum five-year jail term, a fine of between RM5,000 and RM15,000, and disqualification from holding or obtaining a driving licence for at least five years from the date of conviction.

The court allowed bail of RM4,000 for the driving charge. However, Kogilanathan remains in custody pending the murder case.

The court fixed Aug 26 for mention of both cases.