Leong Yew Chen, 35, pleaded not guilty to all charges.

In the sessions court before Judge Norashima Khalid, Leong pleaded not guilty to unlawful possession of two rounds of live ammunition, an offence under Section 8 of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971.

If found guilty, he faces imprisonment for up to 14 years and at least six strokes of the cane.

The second charge was made under Section 7(1) of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958 for possession of two knuckle dusters, which are listed as scheduled weapons. The offence provides imprisonment for up to 10 years and whipping, if found guilty.

The offences were allegedly committed at No 24, Jalan Margosa, Pasir Puteh here at 1.45pm on Dec 10.

Before magistrate Noor Azreen Mohd Darus, Leong was charged under Section 36 of the Arms Act 1960 with possession of eight imitation rifles and four imitation pistols.

The law provides for imprisonment for up to a year or a fine not exceeding RM5,000, or both if convicted.

The accused was also charged with unlawful possession of articles supplied to police officers, namely a pair of handcuffs and three bulletproof vests, possession of which is an offence under Section 89 of the Police Act 1967. If convicted, Leong can be fined a maximum of RM500, be imprisoned for up to six months, or both.

Leong was also charged in the magistrates’ court with possessing 14 printed materials, which are banned publications under Section 7(1) of the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) 1984 as they contained elements of communist ideology.

All the offences were allegedly committed at the same place and time.

Leong was not allowed bail. Both courts set Jan 21 for mention pending a psychiatric report on Leong, who has a history of mental illness.

The prosecution was represented by deputy public prosecutors Fatimah Hannah Abd Wahab, Nor Syahirah Azahar and Sufi Aiman Azmi, while Leong was represented by lawyer Amrick Singh Sandu.