A 28-YEAR-OLD man appeared in the Bukit Mertajam Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, facing charges of murdering his wife last week in a case that has shocked the local community.
Khairul Rizuan Abdullah silently acknowledged the charge when it was read out before Magistrate Nurul Rasyidah Mohd Akit. No plea was recorded, as murder cases fall under the jurisdiction of the High Court.
According to the charge, Khairul Rizuan is accused of killing his 44-year-old wife, Wan Khairul Safinah Ishak, at their flat on Jalan Tuna, Seberang Jaya, on 8 December at approximately 4pm. He allegedly kept her body at their home for four days before the crime was reported.
The prosecution is proceeding under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries a mandatory death sentence, or imprisonment of not less than 30 years and not more than 40 years, along with a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane if convicted.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Anis Suhada Rosli, while Khairul Rizuan appeared unrepresented.
The court did not grant bail and set 10 February for the next mention to await the results of toxicology and post-mortem reports.
Khairul Rizuan arrived at the court at 8.50am wearing a grey shirt, escorted by police in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Police confirmed that earlier investigations led to the discovery of the victim’s body in a rear room of the flat, showing slash wounds to her neck believed to have been inflicted with a sharp weapon.
Authorities said the suspect had a prior criminal record related to drugs and other offences. Reports indicate that the marriage, Khairul Rizuan’s third, had lasted two years, and the alleged motive for the killing was jealousy. - December 18, 2025
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