Hidayat Abu Samad, 24, today appeared before judge Sabri Ismail in the Melaka sessions court, where the charges were read to him, according to Berita Harian.

He was charged with intentionally causing grievous hurt by using a weapon to attack his 49-year-old mother and younger sister, aged 11, at a house in Taman Bukit Larang Indah, at about 10pm on March 10.

The charges were framed under Section 326 read together with Section 326A of the Penal Code.

Section 326A prescribes that the punishment on an offender may extend to twice the maximum term if the offence is committed against a family member.

In addition to a jail term, Hidayat will also be liable to a fine or whipping.

The accused was unrepresented.

At the request of deputy public prosecutor Nazrin Ali Rahim, the court ordered that Hidayat be sent for a psychiatric examination at Hospital Permai in Tampoi, Johor.

The order was made under Section 342(3) of the Criminal Procedure Code calling for a psychiatric report to be issued to confirm the accused’s mental state at the time of the incident.

The case is fixed for remention on April 19 pending the psychiatric report.