PETALING JAYA: A 46-year-old freelance advertising man claimed trial at the Sessions Court today to two charges of attempting to murder a handphone salesgirl and a religious school teacher at a surau two weeks ago.
Mohammad Ferdaus Mashud, clad in an orange collared T-shirt, standing in the dock guarded by two policemen, made the plea before judge Noor Ruzilawati Mohd Noor.
"I understand. I plead not guilty," he told the court.
He was accused of attempting to murder the victims, aged 26 and 52, at 1.30pm at Surau Al-Ehsaniah Ahmadiah at Jalan SS5A/10 on Aug 9.
The charge under Section 307 of the Penal Code provides a maximum jail term of 20 years.
Deputy public prosecutor Rinisha Priyya Kuna Sakar did not offer bail as the two charges involved serious offences.
"However, if the court allows bail, I ask it to be set at RM50,000 for each charge and for the accused's passport to be impounded and for him to report to the police station," she said.
In mitigation, defence lawyer Kailash Sharma said his client was not a flight risk and should be given bail, of a reasonable sum.
He said his client's ex-wife and younger sister were ready to post bail.
"He and his ex-wife have five children and he is supporting them.
"We have no objection if his passport is impounded and his bailors will ensure his attendance in court. The accused will also give his cooperation," he said.
Noor Ruzilawati had also called the accused's sister to verify her details before the court stood down to consider the bail application.
The court then allowed bail at RM15,000 with one surety for both charges.
She ordered the accused to report to the police station on the 1st of each month, surrender his passport to the court and he, or his representatives, shall not harass prosecution witnesses.
The court set Sept 23 for mention.
On Aug 9, Petaling Jaya police chief Assistant Commissioner Shahrulnizam Ja'afar had said they were hunting for a suspect after the victims were stabbed with a sharp weapon, likely a knife.
He had said both victims were initially treated by a Red Crescent medical team before being brought to the Shah Alam Hospital.
Shahrulnizam had said that one victim suffered injuries to her stomach and head while the other sustained a severe wound on her left arm.
On Aug 13, the suspect was arrested near a house in Kajang and subsequently remanded together with an acquaintance.