TELUK INTAN: Two brothers were charged in separate courts here today (Nov 22) for allegedly setting fire to a public hall owned by the Teluk Intan Municipal Council (MPTI) and possessing illegal explosives last week.
In the Sessions Court, JM Jesan, 19, pleaded not guilty when the charge was read before Judge Norhamizah Shaiffudin.
According to the charge, the unemployed man was accused of committing mischief using fireworks, causing damage to the Dewan Arena Square owned by MPTI, near Jalan Raja, at 11.29pm on Nov 11.
If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine under Section 436 of the Penal Code.
Prosecutor Inspector Nur Aina Liyana Mohd Talal proposed bail of RM10,000.
Jesan's lawyer, Faustina Francis, requested a minimum bail amount, citing that her client lost his job after the incident and has been supporting his parents.
She also said he cooperated with police during the investigation.
The court set bail at RM3,000 with one surety and required Jesan to report to the police station once a month.
Meanwhile, in the Magistrate's Court, Jesan's elder brother, JM Steven, 24, pleaded not guilty before
Magistrate Naidatul Athirah Azman to charges of illegal possession of explosives.
He was found with 'Happy Boom Assorted 138 Shot' and 'Happy Boom Red Cracker 88' type explosives at the same location at 8.30pm on Nov 11.
If convicted, the lorry driver could face up to seven years in prison, a fine of up to RM10,000, or both under Section 8 of the Explosives Act 1957.
Prosecutor Inspector Nurul Farahdiana Md Saad proposed bail of RM8,000.
Faustina, representing Steven, requested a lower bail amount, saying that her client supports his wife, their one-year-old child, and a 14-year-old sibling still in school.
The court set bail at RM3,500 with one surety.
Both cases are scheduled for mention on Dec 20.
Previously, Hilir Perak police chief Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Adnan Basri said that the hall fire occurred during a birthday celebration organised by the 24-year-old man.