Farhan Izzuddin Rosman, 32, nodded after the charges were read to him before magistrate Nadratun Naim Saidi, Berita Harian reported.

The magistrate heard the case at Penang Hospital where Farhan is still receiving medical treatment for his self-inflicted wounds.

No plea was recorded as the case falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court.

According to the first charge, Farhan allegedly stabbed Zulkifli Ibrahim, 62, in front of a lift at Blok 1 Sri Ivory Apartment, Jalan Lengkok Angsana, between 12.54pm and 1.25pm, last Thursday.

For the second charge, he is accused of killing Siti Zulaila Zulkifli, 30, at the same time and location.

The charges were framed under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, which carries a death sentence or a maximum of 40 years’ imprisonment with 12 strokes of the cane if convicted.

The court scheduled Jan 15 next year for case remention.

On Monday, police confirmed that unrequited love was the motive behind the fatal stabbing.

Timur Laut acting police chief Lee Swee Sake said investigations revealed that the male suspect, who has previous convictions for criminal and drug-related cases, had feelings for the woman but these were not reciprocated.