KULAI: Six men pleaded not guilty in the magistrate's court today to charges related to an armed assault on a 33-year-old man on Monday.
The accused — Justin Ngu Zhing Xin, 28; Lau Tzy Teck, 36; Wai Kar Chung, 32; Liaw Kok Beng, 34; Yee Vui Ming, 40; and Teh Yeung Tatt, 28 — are alleged to have assaulted Ng Kim Hoe at 1.38pm by the roadside near Senai International Airport.
The group reportedly used rattan rods in the attack, which could have resulted in serious injuries.
They are charged under Section 324 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing harm, in conjunction with Section 34 for committing the alleged assault together.
If convicted, they could face up to 10 years in prison, a fine, whipping, or a combination of penalties.
Deputy public prosecutor Othman Affan Ismail led the prosecution, while the accused were represented by Muhammad Mohd Nasir.
Magistrate Azureen Sahira Sauffee Afandi scheduled the next hearing for Nov 7.
Each defendant was granted bail set at RM7,000 with one surety, under the condition that they do not harass the victim or witnesses.
A 17-second video of the assault, which circulated widely on social media, showed the suspects repeatedly beating and kicking the victim, who was dressed in a black shirt and shorts, by the roadside near the airport.
Police investigations revealed that the confrontation arose from a misunderstanding between the victim and the suspects at Miri Airport earlier that day, despite none of the parties knowing each other personally.