Unemployed man pleads not guilty to reckless driving, faces murder charge

A 27-year-old unemployed man, P. Kogilanathan, appeared before the Magistrate's Court in Jasin today to face charges. He pleaded not guilty to a charge of reckless driving in Taman Asia Selatan on March 4, 2024. The court initially set bail at RM10,000 but reduced it to RM4,000 with one surety after his lawyer cited his client's health issues and responsibility for supporting his parents, who have diabetes and heart disease.

However, Kogilanathan was also accused of murdering A. Vinurd in front of a barbershop in Taman Rim Baru between Aug. 25, 2024. He allegedly committed this crime with three other individuals who remain at large. The murder charge falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court, meaning no plea was recorded. If convicted under Section 302 of the Penal Code, he faces the death penalty or 30 to 40 years in prison, along with at least 12 strokes of the cane.

Magistrate Mazana Sinin ordered Kogilanathan to remain in custody, emphasizing that murder is a non-bailable offense. The court set Aug. 26 for the next hearing, awaiting forensic and investigation reports for the reckless driving charge. The prosecution was handled by Deputy Public Prosecutor Noor Syazwani Mohamad Yusri.