Man charged with possession of offensive weapons at Matang temple

TAIPING - A man who was arrested for allegedly damaging a statue at a temple in Matang last week, was charged in the Sessions Court here today with possession of dangerous weapons.

Mohamad Firdaus Taufek, 22, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read out to him before Judge Nabisha Ibrahim.

He was charged with unlawful possession of offensive weapons, namely a wooden-handled hammer and an iron-handled hammer at the Sri Mangala Nayagi Amman Temple, Matang, between 7am and 7.30am on Oct 18.

The charge was filed under Section 6(1) of the Corrosive, Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958, which provides for a maximum 10-year jail term and probably whipping upon conviction.

Judge Nabisha allowed bail of RM7,000 in two sureties and required him to report to the nearest police station once a month and to surrender his passport to the court until the case is resolved.

The court set Nov 28 for mention, appointment of a lawyer and document submission.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Ng Yan Ni prosecuted, while the accused, who works as a labourer in an oil palm plantation, was unrepresented. - BERNAMA