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A PLANTATION worker has been charged with the murder of a mother of three, whom he is accused of setting alight with petrol last week.
Muhammad Firdaus Baktehir, 29, appeared before the Batu Pahat magistrates’ court today where the charge was read to him before Magistrate Arun Noval Dass.
Firdaus nodded in understanding as the charge was explained, but as the case falls within the jurisdiction of the High Court, no plea was entered.
Firdaus is alleged to have caused the death of 31-year-old Syarah Nurul Masturah Abdullah during an incident at a residence in Kampung Baru, Sri Gading, at around 5pm on March 8.
Authorities have stated that he allegedly doused the victim with petrol before setting her on fire, leading to her tragic death.
The charge, brought under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, carries severe penalties, including the death sentence or a prison term of up to 40 years, along with a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane if the death sentence is not imposed.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Sharifah Natasha Syed Ahmad prosecuted the case, while Firdaus appeared in court unrepresented.
No bail was granted, and the court set a mention date for April 24, pending the submission of a forensic report.
Firdaus was escorted to the court at 8.30am, where he was seen limping as a result of burn injuries to his thighs.
Investigations revealed that the fire started after the accused allegedly poured petrol on the victim and ignited it with a lighter.
Emergency services responded to a call about a house fire and found both Firdaus and Syarah suffering from burns.
Syarah sustained severe burns covering 74% of her body, while Firdaus had 13.5% burns and was treated at Sultanah Nora Ismail Hospital.
Syarah tragically succumbed to her injuries the following day, passing away at 9.54pm on March 9. - March 19, 2025