Court charges farmer with brother, sister-in-law’s murder at Pantai Remis oil palm estate

63-year-old suspect faces death penalty or 40 years’ prison, or 12 whips of the cane

Chee Kooi Heng (left), 63, has been charged with the murder of his brother and sister-in-law at an oil palm plantation in Pantai Remis last week. Picture for illustration purposes. – Bernama pic, March 12, 2024

MANJUNG – A smallholder was charged in the magistrates’ court here today with the murder of his brother and sister-in-law last week.

No plea was recorded from Chee Kooi Heng, 63, after the charge was read out before magistrate Nurul Izalina Rajaa as the case is under the high court’s jurisdiction.

Kooi Heng was charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code with murdering brother Chee Khoi Sia, 74, and his wife Koh Eng Lai, 70, at an oil palm plantation in Lot 3332, Mukim Pengkalan Baharu, Pantai Remis here between 3pm and 3.30pm last March 5. 

He faces the death penalty or imprisonment for up to 40 years. If not sentenced to death, he must be whipped with no less than 12 lashes upon conviction. 

The prosecution was handled by deputy public prosecutor Mohd Hairol Jemain while the accused was represented by lawyer CC Keong. 

The court set May 29 for mention. – March 12, 2024