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A LORRY driver has pleaded not guilty in the Magistrates’ Court in Batu Pahat to a charge of assaulting his wife, in a case that underscores ongoing concerns over domestic violence.
Mohamed Hamka Salleh, 39, entered the plea before Magistrate Arun Noval Dass after being accused of intentionally causing injury to his 40-year-old spouse during an altercation at their home.
According to the charge, the father of six allegedly slapped his wife, punched her in the chest and kicked her legs during the incident, which took place at a residence in Kampung Linau Besar, Bukit Pasir, at about 6.30pm on March 25.
The prosecution contends that the assault was triggered by anger after the woman left the house without his knowledge, with reports indicating the argument escalated into repeated acts of physical violence.
Fearing for her safety and concerned the abuse might recur, the victim subsequently lodged a police report at the Batu Pahat District Police Headquarters.
Police arrested the accused at 1.59pm the following day to assist with investigations.
He has been charged under Section 323 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 326A, which provides for enhanced penalties in cases involving domestic violence.
Section 323 carries a maximum sentence of one year’s imprisonment, a fine of up to RM2,000, or both, while Section 326A allows for the penalty to be doubled upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Firdaus Ruslan appeared for the prosecution, while the accused was unrepresented.
The court granted bail of RM2,000 with one surety and ordered the accused to report to a nearby police station every three weeks.
He was also instructed not to contact or interfere with the victim or any witnesses until the case is concluded.
The matter has been fixed for mention on May 14 for the submission of documents and the possible appointment of defence counsel. - March 30, 2026