Three men plead not guilty to terrorism-related charge

Farmer Zairosfitri Jainuddin Azhar, 24; security guard Muhammad Fesool Haron, 27, and factory operator Wan Syahrul Naim Wan Junus, 28, made the plea after their respective charge was read out to them before either Judicial Commissioner Datuk Ab Karim Ab Rahman or Judge Datuk Azman Abdullah.

In the proceeding before Ab Karim, Zairosfitri pleaded not guilty to knowingly giving support to a terrorist group by making the loyalty oath (berbai'ah) through the Telegram application in the chat group "gagak hitam" at No 11, Blok A, Perumahan Awam 2, Chenderiang, Batang Padang, Perak, between March 25 and June 17, 2016.

The other accused, Muhammad Fesool was also charged with knowingly giving support to a terrorist group through Facebook account under the name of "Abu Miswak Sembilan" at No 31, Km 13, Jalan Putra, Simpang Empat Kuar, Alor Janggus, Kota Setar, Kedah, between April and June 28, 2016.

The charge against Zairosfitri, represented by lawyer Ahmad Zaharil Muhaiyar, and Muhammad Fesool, who was unrepresented, was made under Section 130J (1)(a) of the Penal Code, which provides and imprisonment for life or not more than 30 years, or fine, and forfeiture of the assets involved, if found guilty.

The court set Jan 12 for mention of the Zairosfitri's case and Jan 16 for the case involving Muhammad Fesool.

In the proceeding before Judge Azman, Wan Syahrul Naim pleaded not guilty to a charge of knowingly supporting the commission of a terrorist act, involving the use of explosives.

It was committed with intention to further an ideology and threaten public order in Malaysia through the Telegram application on his handphone.

Wan Syahrul was charged with committing the offence at no 127, Kampung Pondok Cegar, Pendang, Kedah, between March 25 and June 29, 2016.

The charge, under Section 130J(1)(b) of the Penal Code, provides a life sentence or imprisonment of up to 30 years, or fine, and liable to forfeiture of assets involved in the commission of the act, if found guilty.

Wan Syahrul, represented by lawyer Mohd Zaidan Daud, was also charged with possession of a terrorism-related item at the same place at 11.15 pm last June 29.

The charge, under Section 130JB(1)(a) of the Penal Code, provides an imprisonment for up to seven years, or finem and liable to forfeiture of the items involved, if found guilty.