ROHINGYA MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER OF PREGNANT WIFE IN KOTA TINGGI

KOTA TINGGI, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- A Rohingya man was charged at the Magistrate’s Court here today with the murder of his pregnant wife and culpable homicide of her unborn child, on Feb 13.

The accused, Rashidullah Mong Fumiyah, 35, nodded in understanding as the charges were read before Magistrate Nurkhalida Farhana Abu Bakar, but no plea was recorded for the murder case as it falls under the High Court’s jurisdiction.

Rashidullah, who works as a barber, is alleged to have killed his wife, Fazanah Eskar, 34, in the early hours of Feb 13 at a house in Kampung Makam.

The charge, under Section 302 of the Penal Code, carries the death penalty or up to 40 years’ imprisonment. If the death penalty is not imposed, he is liable to a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane, upon conviction.

The next case mention was set for April 22 to submit the autopsy and chemical reports. No bail was granted.

For the second charge, Rashidullah was accused of striking his wife’s head with a mortar pestle, causing her death and that of her unborn child at the same location and time.

The charge, under Section 316 of the Penal Code, carries a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine upon conviction.

The accused said he understood the charge and potential punishment but did not enter a plea. He wept, apologised, and asked for a reduced sentence.

“I am sorry. I am a Muslim. But this is Malaysia’s law. If God punishes me, I will accept it,” he said after repeated questioning by the interpreter and magistrate.

The court set March 18 for the next mention to allow a Myanmar-language interpreter to be present.

Deputy public prosecutor Eizlan Azhar appeared for the prosecution, while the accused was unrepresented.  

Earlier, the media reported that a seven-month-pregnant woman was found dead in a rented room around 3 am on Feb 13, allegedly killed by her husband. 

-- BERNAMA