AYER KEROH: A prominent businessman, his family, and employees appeared in court to face charges related to the alleged assault and intimidation of an insurance manager. The accused, including the businessman with a Datuk Seri title, pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them in the Ayer Keroh Magistrates Court.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the defendants-Mohamad Fazil Shafie, 62, his daughter Nur Amalina Mohamad Fazil, 33, son-in-law Amran Azmi, 32, and two employees, Azian Ab Rahim, 37, and Muhammad Azrul Syafiq Rosman, 28-are accused of intentionally injuring Muhammad Nur Hakim Baharudin, 30, during an incident at a caf© in Taman Kota Laksamana, Melaka Tengah, on November 14. The charges fall under Section 323 of the Penal Code, carrying a potential sentence of up to one-year imprisonment, a fine of up to RM2,000, or both, if convicted.

Mohamad Fazil additionally faces charges under Section 506 of the Penal Code for verbally threatening the insurance manager, which may result in a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment, a fine, or both. Nur Amalina is charged under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 for using offensive language, carrying a potential fine of RM100. Azian also faces a charge under Section 506 for criminal intimidation.

Deputy public prosecutor Nor Azizah Yusoh recommended a bail amount of RM5,000 for each accused per charge. However, defense lawyer Balasubramaniam requested a reduced bail, citing the financial impact on his clients and Nur Amalina’s pregnancy.

Magistrate Nor Syaliati Mohd Sobri set bail at RM5,500 for both Mohamad Fazil and Azian, RM3,300 for Nur Amalina, and RM2,500 each for Amran and Muhammad Azrul Syafiq. The case is scheduled for mention on January 23, allowing time for the submission of documents.