Trader Accused of Attempted Murder in High-Profile Case
KUALA KANGSAR: In a dramatic turn of events, a trader has pleaded not guilty to charges of criminal intimidation and attempted murder in the Sessions Court today. The accused, Mohd Azzuan Ahmad, 39, stands accused of endangering his wife’s life in a case that has shocked the local community.
Details of the Charges
Threats and Assault on North-South Expressway
According to the prosecution, Mohd Azzuan Ahmad is facing two serious charges. The first charge accuses him of criminal intimidation under Section 506 of the Penal Code. This charge stems from an alleged incident that occurred on the night of July 26, when Mohd Azzuan reportedly threatened to cause the death of his wife, Nor Diyanah Ahmad, 32. The threatening behavior is said to have taken place while the couple was traveling in a Toyota Vios on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) en route to Kuala Kangsar.
Attempted Murder on the East-West Highway
The second charge is even more grave, involving an allegation of attempted murder. Mohd Azzuan is accused of pushing his wife into a ravine, causing her injuries. This incident allegedly occurred between 4 am and 5 am on July 27 at the side of the road near Kilometre 31.2 of the East-West Highway (JRTB) Gerik-Jeli. The attack has left the victim with significant injuries and has drawn considerable attention due to its violent nature.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Status
Charges and Penalties
For the charge of criminal intimidation, Mohd Azzuan faces a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both, if convicted. The charge is grounded in Section 506 of the Penal Code, which deals with the use of threats to instill fear of death or injury.
In contrast, the attempted murder charge under Section 307 of the Penal Code carries a much harsher penalty. If convicted, Mohd Azzuan could face up to 20 years’ imprisonment. This charge reflects the severity of the alleged crime, which involved a deliberate attempt to endanger his wife’s life.
Bail Decision and Court Schedule
During the court proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor Muhammad Firdaus Nor Azlan recommended a bail amount of RM10,000 for the criminal intimidation charge. However, no bail was offered for the attempted murder charge due to the severity of the offense. Judge Rohaida Ishak, who presided over the case, agreed with the prosecution’s recommendation and denied bail for the accused.
Mohd Azzuan, represented by lawyer Hennie Soraya Hanafi, will remain in custody until the next court date. Judge Rohaida has scheduled September 19 for the next mention of the case, allowing time for further legal proceedings.
The Incident’s Impact and Community Response
Victim’s Harrowing Experience
The case has brought to light a distressing situation faced by Nor Diyanah Ahmad. Reports from August 1 revealed that she experienced a traumatic ordeal involving both strangulation and the life-threatening act of being pushed into a ravine by her husband. This shocking revelation has raised concerns about domestic violence and the need for heightened protective measures for victims.
Public Reaction
The community has been left in disbelief over the nature of the alleged crime. The severity of the charges and the dramatic circumstances surrounding the case have sparked discussions about domestic violence and the need for stronger legal safeguards for victims. Local organizations and advocacy groups are calling for increased awareness and support systems to prevent such tragic incidents.
Conclusion
As the legal process unfolds, the case of Mohd Azzuan Ahmad highlights the critical issues of domestic violence and criminal intimidation. The court’s decisions and the ongoing proceedings will be closely followed as the community seeks justice for the victim and answers to the troubling questions raised by this case.