MUAR: An unemployed man was brought before the Sessions Court and the magistrate's court here today (Aug 20) to face charges in connection with the triple murder-cum-arson that claimed the lives of three family members in Kampung Paya Redan, in Pagoh, on Aug 9.
The accused, Azman Mohamed Nor, 48, faced four charges – three for the murders of his parents and niece, and one for causing grievous harm to another niece.
During the proceedings, the accused only nodded in understanding when the charges were read out by the court interpreter before magistrate Suzana Mokhtar.
No plea was recorded as the case falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court.
According to the first three charges, Azman was accused of murdering his father, Mohamed Nor Mohamed Yassin, 82, his mother, Ara Abd Hamid, 76, and his niece, Noradriana Nor Hasyim, 11.
The crimes allegedly occurred between 1am and 3am on Aug 9 at a house at Jalan Sekolah, in Kampung Paya Redan.
The charges fall under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty or imprisonment of up to 40 years, along with mandatory whipping of at least 12 strokes if the death penalty is not imposed.
Deputy public prosecutor Mohamad Arif Marzuki led the prosecution, while the accused was unrepresented.
The prosecution did not offer bail, citing the severity of the charges. The prosecution requested time to obtain forensic, post-mortem and chemical reports, which are expected to take at least two months due to the involvement of multiple victims.
After hearing the arguments, the court set Oct 24 as the next mention date and denied bail for the accused.
In a separate hearing at the Sessions Court, Azman faced another charge under Section 326 of the Penal Code for causing grievous hurt to another niece, Norazmina Mohd Razi, 14, by striking her with a wooden stick.
The incident occurred on the same date, time, and location as the murders.
For this charge, the accused pleaded guilty before judge Nariman Badruddin. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison, along with a fine or whipping.
The three family members were found dead following the fire that occurred at 1.30am. Mohamed Nor and Ara's bodies were charred beyond recognition while Noradriana succumbed to injuries while receiving medical treatment.
The accused allegedly fled the scene and was arrested last Wednesday while wandering around Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.