JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 20 — A 46-year-old Singaporean man claimed trial in the Sessions and Magistrates Court today on three charges, including obstructing police and possessing a dangerous weapon, following a violent confrontation last Sunday.
The accused, Gary Lim Kian Liang, pleaded not guilty to possessing an 8.5-centimetre knife without a valid permit. The offence allegedly occurred at approximately 12.15am last Sunday on Jalan Lingkaran Dalam, heading towards the Sultan Iskandar Building.
Lim was charged under Section 6(1) of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Dangerous Weapons Act 1958, which carries a prison sentence of up to five years, and up to 10 years upon conviction.
In separate proceedings, Lim also claimed trial before Magistrate Nurzihan Abdul Rehman to charges of obstructing a public servant and causing injury. He is accused of intentionally obstructing Lance Corporal Mohd Rahimi Mohd Ali in the discharge of his duties at the same time and location. This charge, under Section 186 of the Penal Code, carries a maximum prison sentence of two years, a fine of up to RM10,000, or both.
Lim also faces a charge under Section 324 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt with a dangerous weapon, following an alleged attack on a 30-year-old local woman at 11.58pm last Saturday. This offence carries a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years, a fine, whipping, or any combination of these punishments.
Deputy Public Prosecutors Siti Fatimah Mamu and Izdhiyah Zahirah Ahmad Ghazali led the prosecution, while Lim was represented by counsels S. Selvanteran and K. Shareveen.
During the bail application, Selvanteran informed the court that his client, a restaurant owner in Singapore, suffers from mental health issues requiring ongoing treatment. He added that Lim is married and provides support for his elderly mother. The court granted bail of RM20,000 with three local sureties and fixed September 25 for mention.
In a related case, a local man, G. Thinesh Kumar, 28, claimed trial before Magistrate A. Shaarmini for intentionally causing injury to the Singaporean man using a motorcycle helmet. Thinesh, who was unrepresented, was charged under Section 324 of the Penal Code and granted bail of RM5,000 with one local surety. His case is set for mention on September 14.
The charges follow a report on Monday that police had arrested four men during a brawl between 12.15am and 1.45am last Sunday. Investigations revealed that the violence stemmed from a road disagreement involving three local men and one Singaporean, during which weapons were used. A brief video of the incident, showing a man obstructing a police officer, had previously circulated widely on social media.
