Santosh Magar, 25, was accused of killing Raj Kar Ki, 48, at Km447 of the North-South Expressway near Rawang.

The charge was framed under Section 302 of the Penal Code. If found guilty, Santosh could face the death penalty.

Santosh confirmed that he understood the charge after it was translated by an interpreter. No plea was recorded as the case is under the High Court’s jurisdiction.

Magistrate Sasha Diana Sabtu set May 22 for case mention.

Santosh also pleaded guilty to overstaying in Malaysia, a violation under Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act, and was sentenced to four months’ jail.

In January, police discovered a black suitcase containing body parts at Km477 of the North-South Expressway near the Rawang Selatan exit.

Additional body parts were discovered by the side of the road.

The foreigner’s death was caused by multiple blunt and sharp injuries, according to Sungai Buloh police chief Shafa’aton Abu Bakar.