Azzuan Ahmad, 39, pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him before judge Rohaida Ishak, Berita Harian reported.

According to the charge sheet, Azzuan attempted to murder Nor Diyanah Ahmad, 32, by pushing her into a ravine, causing her to suffer injuries at Km31.2 of the East-West Highway in Gerik, Perak, between 4am and 5am on July 27.

He was charged under Section 307 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years upon conviction.

Earlier, Azzuan also pleaded not guilty to a charge of criminal intimidation by threatening to cause death to Nor Diyanah inside a car, while travelling on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) towards Kuala Kangsar on the night of July 26.

He was charged under Section 506 of the Penal Code, which provides for a maximum prison sentence of seven years, a fine, or both, if convicted.

Deputy public prosecutor Firdaus Nor Azlan appeared for the prosecution, while National Legal Aid Foundation lawyer Hennie Soraya Hanafi represented Azzuan.

Rohaida denied the accused bail and set Sept 19 for next mention of the case.