ALOR GAJAH: The Alor Gajah magistrate's court has set Dec 23 as a new mention date for the foreign currency trader accused of murdering teacher Istiqomah Ahmad Rozi, 33, in December last year.
Magistrate Dr Teoh Shu Yee set the date following a request from deputy public prosecutor Fiqri Hakim Zamri, who told the court that important documents, namely the DNA report and autopsy results, had not been obtained.
The application was supported by lawyer Ahmad Nur Awalluddin Zakaria who also suggested that the court allow an extension until Jan 1 for the prosecution to prepare all necessary documents.
The accused, Mohd Fadzly Ariffadzilah, 36, appeared at court at 9am in a white T-shirt and trousers, wearing a face mask, while being escorted by the police.
Fadzly, who is also a former teacher, was first charged in court on Aug 19. Today's hearing was set for the submission of documents and the appointment of a defence lawyer.
According to the charge sheet, the accused is charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code for the murder of Istiqomah on the roadside near Kampung Tanjung Rimau Luar, Pulau Sebang, between Dec 26, 2023 and Dec 31, 2023.
If found guilty, he could face the death penalty, or if not sentenced to death, a minimum imprisonment of 30 years and a maximum of 40 years, along with no less than 12 strokes of the cane.