Shopkeeper charged with hurting wife by pressing knee against her neck

Anuar Sharif, a 49-year-old grocery shopkeeper from Batu Pahat, has been charged with assaulting his wife by pressing his knee against her neck, according to Batu Pahat magistrates' court. The incident allegedly took place at around 12.45am on September 17th at a residence in Tongkang Pechah. Anuar pleaded not guilty during the court proceedings conducted by magistrate Mustaqim Sukarno.

The charge against him falls under Section 323 of the Penal Code, which prescribes a maximum sentence of one year in prison, a fine of up to RM2,000, or both. However, due to the nature of the offense being committed against a spouse, the maximum sentence is doubled under Section 326A of the same law. The court granted Anuar bail of RM4,000 with the condition that he report to a local police station on the 22nd of every month until the case concludes.

Additionally, the court mandated Anuar to refrain from living with or interfering with his wife until the legal proceedings are finalized. Deputy public prosecutor Nur Shahzleen Ibrahim represented the prosecution, while Anuar was defended by Normaahani Rais from the National Legal Aid Foundation. The case has been scheduled for a further hearing on October 28th to present documents and appoint Anuar's legal counsel.