Singaporean man faces charges in Malaysia for alleged assault and obstruction

A Singaporean restaurant owner, Gary Lim Kian Liang, 46, appeared in court in Johor Bahru to face multiple charges stemming from an incident on August 15. Lim pleaded not guilty to charges including possessing a dangerous weapon and obstructing a police officer.

Before Judge Nor Aziati Jaafar, Lim was charged with possessing an 8.5 cm knife without valid authorization near the Sultan Iskandar Building. This offense falls under Section 6(1) of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Dangerous Weapons Act 1958, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years. Additionally, before Magistrate Nurzihan Abdul Rehman, Lim was accused of intentionally obstructing Lance Corporal Mohd. Rahimi Mohd. Ali from performing his duties at the same location and time. This charge, under Section 186 of the Penal Code, could result in up to two years in prison or a fine of RM10,000, or both.

Furthermore, Lim is accused of intentionally causing injury to a 30-year-old local woman using a knife. This charge, under Section 324 of the Penal Code, carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, a fine, whipping, or any two of these punishments. Lim's lawyer, S. Selvanteran, cited his client's wife and ailing mother, as well as his own mental health condition of major depression, as reasons for leniency in his bail plea.

Both courts set bail at RM20,000, with the next mention date set for September 25. In a related development, a local man, G. Thinesh Kumar, 28, also pleaded not guilty to charges of causing injury to Lim using a helmet during the same incident. He faces charges under Section 324 of the Penal Code and was granted bail of RM5,000, with his case scheduled for mention on September 15.