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A MALE teacher accused of attempting to murder his wife has been referred to Hospital Bahagia in Ulu Kinta, Perak, for psychiatric evaluation after the Balik Pulau Sessions Court in Penang ruled that he did not understand the charge against him.
Muhammad Nazmi Izzuddin Muhamad Zubairi, 30, appeared before Judge Ahzal Fariz Ahmad Khairuddin but no plea was recorded, as the accused appeared unable to comprehend the proceedings. He remained silent with his head bowed throughout the hearing, his left wrist visibly bandaged.
The charge, brought under Section 307 of the Penal Code, alleges that he attempted to kill his 28-year-old wife, Hanis Sofea Hamdan, using a kitchen knife during an incident in their bedroom at their residence in Taman Tunas Muda, Sungai Ara, Penang at around 5.45am on 27 August. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
Deputy Public Prosecutor R Lushani requested that the accused be sent for psychiatric evaluation, citing a memo from a doctor at Penang General Hospital recommending further assessment.
“We have a medical note from a doctor at Penang Hospital suggesting that the accused be referred for further evaluation,” she told the court.
Defence counsel Yazid Khairul Azman, representing the accused alongside lawyers Muhaimin Hashim and Ismat Arif Abu Hassan, said the defence had no objection.
“We attempted to speak to our client several times prior to the proceedings, but he did not understand what we were saying,” Yazid said. “The hospital has also recommended evaluation. We have no objection, as this will determine whether he is fit to stand trial.”
Judge Ahzal subsequently ordered that Muhammad Nazmi Izzuddin be sent to Hospital Bahagia for assessment under Section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The court fixed 8 October for the submission of the evaluation report.
The accused had been under police remand since Saturday. That remand order expired today.
The alleged attack reportedly stemmed from financial pressures, including mounting bank loans and instalment debts through “buy now, pay later” schemes, which are believed to have triggered a heated argument between the couple.
According to police and family members, the couple had previously been described as “harmonious”. During the incident, the suspect allegedly used a kitchen knife to assault his wife before injuring himself with the same weapon. - Sept 4, 2025