Khairul Hadafi Taib, 40, was accused of intentionally causing the death of Khairul Ridzuan, 46, at a house in Taman Muhibbah, Sitiawan, between 2.25am and 2.39am on Sept 25.

He was charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code. If convicted, he faces the death penalty, or imprisonment of between 30 and 40 years and at least 12 strokes of the cane.

The charge was read before magistrate Fakhrul Razzi Hamid. No plea was recorded as murder cases fall under the jurisdiction of the High Court.

Fakhrul ordered the accused to be sent to Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta in Ipoh for a psychiatric evaluation.

He also scheduled a case mention on Oct 30 for the submission of chemist reports and related documents.

Deputy public prosecutor Hairol Jemain appeared for the prosecution while Khairul Hadafi was unrepresented.