5 CHARGED WITH MAN’S KIDNAPPING
They allegedly kidnapped man last month for RM1.8 million ransom
FIVE men were charged at the magistrate’s court here yesterday with kidnapping a man late last month. The accused, Tio Siang Foo, 55, Ma Kai Chun, 40, Chiam Eng Leong, 37, Lai Wai Leong, 52, and Hew Foo Soo, 58, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read to them in Mandarin by the court interpreter.
They were accused of kidnapping a 57-year-old man in Jalan Belibis 15, Taman Perling, here about 7am on Jan 27 to acquire a ransom of about RM1.8 million.
For the offence, they were charged under Section 3(1) of the Kidnapping Act 1961 which was read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code.
No plea was recorded from the accused in front of magistrate Rashidah Baharom.
Deputy public prosecutor Siti Asmah Zainal Ariffin appeared for the prosecution while the accused were represented by counsel Ahmad Yusri Ahmad Fuad.
Rashidah set April 17 for mention of the case while waiting for the chemistry and forensic reports.
At the same court, Lai, with Chia Way Loon, 26, were also charged with the murder of a businessman in Skudai in September last year.
They were accused of murdering Pun Chi Wee in Jalan Timah 9, Taman Sri Putri, in Skudai on Sept 19.
They were charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the mandatory death penalty upon conviction.
No plea was recorded. Siti Asmah appeared for the prosecution while the accused were not represented.
It was reported that Pun was shot in his car parked in front of his house about 6pm. He was found with gunshot wounds on his head, neck and chest.
Rashidah set April 17 for mention of the case.