Berita Harian reported that Haikal Mahfuz, 24, nodded when he was charged with murdering single mother Mira Sharmila Samsusah, 32, also known as Bella.

According to the charge sheet, the former postman is accused of murdering Mila Sharmila between 11pm on Dec 14 and 5am on Dec 15.

The charge was framed under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.

Sentencing discretion for murder and drug trafficking was given to judges through amendments to several laws that took effect last July.

For murder, judges may impose a jail term of between 30 and 40 years, while male offenders below 50 years of age can be flogged a minimum of 12 times.

No bail was offered and the court set Feb 19 for mention as well as the submission of documents and medical reports.