A LORRY driver has claimed trial to a charge of assaulting his wife following a domestic dispute allegedly triggered by jealousy after she received a telephone call from a male acquaintance.
The 32-year-old accused pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Mustaqim Sukarno in the Magistrate's Court here on Monday to a charge of voluntarily causing hurt by punching, pulling and pushing his wife against a wall.
Before allowing bail, the magistrate reminded the accused that he would not be permitted to stay with his wife while the case remained before the courts.
"If the court grants you bail, where will you stay? The court cannot allow you to live in the same house as your wife for the time being," the magistrate said.
The accused replied that he would stay with his parents until the conclusion of the trial.
According to the charge, the accused, who has two children from a previous marriage, allegedly assaulted his 40-year-old wife at a house in Parit Raja near here at about 10.30pm on July 29 by punching her, pulling her and shoving her into a wall.
He was charged under Section 323 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 326A, which provides enhanced punishment for offences involving spouses or family members.
A conviction under Section 323 carries a maximum sentence of one year's imprisonment, a fine of up to RM2,000, or both, while Section 326A allows the maximum custodial sentence to be doubled.
According to the prosecution, the altercation began after the accused became jealous when his wife received a call from a male acquaintance.
The argument allegedly escalated when the accused splashed water on the victim's face before dragging her into a bedroom and pushing her against a wall.
The victim's daughter witnessed the incident and intervened in an attempt to stop the assault.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Nur Shazleen Ibrahim appeared for the prosecution, while the accused was represented by Kamarulariffin Nordin of the National Legal Aid Foundation (YBGK).
The court granted bail of RM4,000 with one surety and ordered the accused to report to the nearest police station once every month.
In addition, the court prohibited him from contacting, harassing or approaching the complainant until the case has been concluded.
The case has been fixed for mention on Sept 28 for the submission of documents and the appointment of counsel. - August 3, 2026
