Fadlan Ahmad Fahimi, 24, made the plea after the charge was read out to him before judge Mahyon Talib.

He was charged under Section 394 of the Penal Code with voluntarily causing hurt when committing robbery against P Kesavan, 45, at Jalan Sentul Pasar here, at 1.30pm on Jan 24.

A video of the incident went viral on social media.

Fadlan faces imprisonment of up to 20 years and can also be fined or whipped if found guilty.

His lawyer, Mohd Irwan Sumadi, requested that his client be sent for mental examination.

“Based on our own observations and the video that was viralled on social media, we suspect the accused has mental problem,” he added.

The court then ordered Fadlan to be sent to Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta, Perak, for observation and set March 4 for mention.

Deputy public prosecutor Najihah Farhana Che Awang prosecuted.