KUCHING: The owner of an open-air eatery appeared in the Magistrate’s Court here today (Dec 9), facing a charge of deliberately destroying CCTV footage linked to the murder of an Indonesian man who was found at Jalan Lumba Kuda, Padawan on November 23.
The 60-year-old accused pleaded not guilty to the charge read before Magistrate Ling Hui Chuan.
He is alleged to have instructed a man to delete the CCTV footage to prevent the real perpetrator from being brought to justice.
The offence, which falls under Section 201 of the Penal Code, carries a maximum jail term of seven years and a fine upon conviction.
It was said to have occurred at a budget hotel at Jalan Sekama at about 1 am on November 25.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Ahmad Fauzulutfi Suriani did not offer bail, citing the seriousness of the offence and the risk of the accused absconding. Defence counsel Daniel Ling, however, applied for bail.
The court allowed the accused to be released on RM2,000 bail with one local surety and set the next case management date for January 12, 2026.
The investigation was conducted by ASP Sylvarius Gopog, Inspector Muhammad Hafizin Harun, and Sergeant Major Ridvaner Haddi.
Police have arrested a total of 13 suspects to assist with the investigation.
This accused is the 10th person linked to the murder of the 37-year-old Indonesian man, whose body was found on Jalan Lumba Kuda, Padawan, after members of the public alerted the police.
Padawan Police Chief Supt Mohd Irwan Hafiz Md Radzi said forensic investigations revealed the victim had injuries to the forehead. The death was confirmed by medical officers at the scene.
