KUALA LUMPUR: The magistrate's court issued warnings to former television personality Norjuma Habib Mohamed for failing to show up for proceedings related to charges of causing injury and committing mischief.
Magistrates Noor Elynna Hanim Abd Halim and Illi Marisqa Khalizan issued the warnings after questioning Norjuma about her absence during proceedings on June 27.
During today's proceedings, Norjuma said she did not attend the proceedings as she did not have complete details about them.
"I apologise, ma'am. I went to the High Court counter to get information because I did not know which courtroom, where it was and what was happening because my lawyer was not present," said Norjuma, who acknowledged that she had appointed a lawyer.
The court did not accept her excuse.
"Consider this a warning. Bail is increased from RM1,000 to RM1,500," magistrate Elynna said.
She also cancelled Norjuma's arrest warrant.
In another courtroom, Norjuma gave the same reason to magistrate Illi Marisqa.
The magistrate also issued a warning and increased the bail to RM2,000.
"Ms Norjuma, this is the last warning. You must ensure you attend the next dates or an arrest warrant will be issued for you, not your lawyer.
"Ensure you know the dates and which court you need to attend.
"The arrest warrant is cancelled. I increase the bail from RM1,500 to RM2,000."
Magistrates Fatin Dayana Jalil and Nurul Izzah Shaharuddin also cancelled the arrest warrant for Norjuma for failing to attend a case mention last month.
All four magistrates set Aug 26 for the next mention.
The case is being handled by deputy public prosecutors R. Harvind, Anis Wahidah Mohamad, Sheryn Yong Shi Yee and Hamizah Hisan.
Norjuma, who was handcuffed during the proceedings, did not have a guarantor or a lawyer with her.
On April 25, the hijab entrepreneur pleaded not guilty to five charges of injuring three individuals and committing mischief.
In the first charge, Norjuma is alleged to have caused injury to Mohd Afiq Ismail, 34, at a business premises in Menara Atlan, Jalan Ampang, here, at 8.43pm on Feb 21, 2017.
In the second charge, she is alleged to have caused injury to Nepalese security guard Neupane Tika Ram at a tuition centre in Bukit Damansara, here, at 3pm on March 29, 2018.
In the third charge, she is alleged to have caused injury to Nur Solehah Rosli, 31, at a condominium in Wangsa Maju at 10.30am on Oct 18, 2021.
The charges were framed under Section 323 of the Penal Code, which carries up to one year's jail or a fine of up to RM2,000, or both, if convicted.
In the fourth and fifth charges, she is alleged to have damaged a condominium's vehicle barrier and CCTV, with damage estimated at RM4,700, in Taman U-Thant, here, at 7.44pm and 7.45pm on July 28, 2023.
The charges were framed under Section 427 of the Penal Code, which provides for up to two years' jail or a fine, or both, if convicted.