PETALING JAYA: Four men appeared in the Sessions Court today, facing serious charges related to a high-profile robbery involving gold bars valued at RM5.9 million. The accused, identified as Aziz Ahmad Nor, 38, Shah Harizie Zainal, 39, B. Krishore Raam, 30, and Mohamad Afiq Jamal, 33, entered their pleas after the charges were formally read to them by Judge Dr. Syahliza Warnoh.
Details of the Robbery
The defendants are accused of participating in a gang robbery that took place on September 13 at approximately 11 a.m. in the Puchong Industrial Complex. According to the charge, the group allegedly attacked a 22-year-old man who was in possession of 16.9 kilograms of gold bars using a parang, a traditional machete-like weapon.
The charges fall under Section 395 of the Penal Code, which pertains to gang robbery, and Section 397, which involves the use of weapons during the commission of a robbery. If convicted under Section 395, the accused could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, along with fines and whipping. Section 397 also stipulates whipping and carries the same penalties as Section 395.
Bail Considerations
During the court proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor Nur Izzati Rozman opposed bail for the defendants, citing the severe nature of the crime and the possibility that they might abscond if released. She highlighted the risks associated with granting bail under such circumstances.
“If the court considers exercising its discretion to grant bail, I would suggest that the sum be set at RM30,000 for each accused, with one surety required,” Nur Izzati proposed. She also recommended additional conditions, including that the accused must not contact witnesses, report regularly to the police station, and surrender their passports to the court until the conclusion of the proceedings.
Mitigation Pleas from Defense Counsel
Defense attorney Muhammad Amirul Mukminin, representing Aziz Ahmad Nor and B. Krishore Raam, urged the court to consider a minimum bail. He highlighted that Aziz has a pregnant wife who is three months along, while Krishore Raam is the sole provider for his mother, wife, and nine-year-old child.
Shah Harizie Zainal and Mohamad Afiq Jamal, who did not have legal representation, also requested a lower bail amount, emphasizing their unstable employment situations.
Court Ruling on Bail
After considering the arguments from both the prosecution and defense, Judge Dr. Syahliza Warnoh set bail at RM10,000 for each accused, requiring one surety per defendant. The judge also granted the additional conditions proposed by the prosecution to ensure compliance during the legal proceedings.
Implications of the Case
This case highlights the growing concerns surrounding organized crime in Malaysia, particularly in relation to high-value commodities such as gold. The significant amount involved in this robbery underscores the potential for violent crime linked to the lucrative gold trade. Law enforcement agencies are likely to increase their focus on preventing similar incidents as public awareness of such crimes rises.
The decision of the court regarding bail may also set a precedent for future cases involving serious offenses, reflecting the judicial system’s stance on balancing the rights of the accused with the need to ensure public safety.
Next Steps in Legal Proceedings
The court proceedings will continue as the legal system seeks to address the charges against the four men. As the case unfolds, more information is expected to emerge, shedding light on the methods employed during the robbery and the motivations behind this audacious crime.
The accused will have the opportunity to defend themselves against the charges, and the court will evaluate all evidence presented before reaching a final verdict. In the interim, the case serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling organized crime and protecting the public from such violent acts.
Conclusion
The robbery of RM5.9 million in gold bars has not only drawn significant media attention but has also sparked discussions about the safety of valuables in Malaysia. As the legal process advances, both the prosecution and defense will prepare for the upcoming trial, which could potentially last several months, depending on the complexity of the case.
In the meantime, the community remains vigilant, aware of the risks associated with high-value commodities and the necessity for increased security measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The outcome of this case may influence public perceptions of safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement in addressing organized crime in Malaysia.
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