Ayer keroh: An unemployed man was charged at the Ayer Keroh Magistrate's Court here today with the murder of an acquaintance at a shophouse in March.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kamil Harris Mohd Abd Nasir, 40, nodded in understanding after the charge was read before Magistrate Uthman Abd Ghani. However, no plea was recorded as murder cases fall under the jurisdiction of the High Court. Kamil is accused of murdering Mohd Idris Yasmir, 40, at Taman Seri Pandan 1, Jalan Pokok Mangga here between 10 pm, March 30 and 3 am, March 31.

The charge was framed under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which provides for the death penalty or imprisonment of between 30 and 40 years. If the death penalty is not imposed, the accused shall also be liable to not less than 12 strokes of the cane upon conviction.

The prosecution was handled by prosecuting officer Insp Nur Zaidah Muhamad Zailani, while Kamil was unrepresented. The court set July 29 for the case mention.

It was previously reported that the body of a man, believed to be a murder victim, was discovered wrapped in a rolled-up mattress with his hands tied at a shophouse in the Pokok Mangga area at 7 pm on May 28.