The accused, Harun Narresat Ibrahim, 46, nodded his head in understanding when the charge was read out to him before Magistrate Nik Habri Muhamad, with no plea recorded.
He was charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code which is punishable by the death sentence or imprisonment of between 30 and 40 years and if not sentenced to death, shall be liable to a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane, upon conviction.