Ferdaus Mashud, 46, pleaded not guilty to the charges before judge Noor Ruzilawati Noor, Harian Metro reported.

The father of five was charged with stabbing the two women in the toilet of Surau Al-Ehsaniah Ahmadiah at Jalan SS5A/1 with a sharp object with intent to murder, at 1.30pm on Aug 9.

The charges were framed under Section 307 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor KS Rinisha Priyya requested the court to set bail at RM50,000 for each charge and to order the accused to surrender his passport.

Lawyer Kailash Sharma asked the court to grant Ferdaus a lower bail amount since he had to support his five children. He said Ferdaus’s ex-wife and sibling would serve as his sureties.

Noor Ruzilawati allowed Ferdaus to post bail at RM15,000 for both charges with one surety. She also ordered him to surrender his passport and report to the nearest police station every month.

She set Sept 23 for case mention.

A 26-year-old salesgirl sustained injuries to her head and abdomen in the attack, while a 52-year-old headmistress suffered wounds to her left arm and hand in trying to save the first victim.

Both victims were treated at a hospital and have since been discharged.