Hong Yew Peng, 54, nodded in understanding as the charge was read out to him before magistrate Nur Afiqah Radhiah Zainurin.

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

Hong was charged with intentionally causing bodily harm resulting in the death of Ling Lu Cheng, 52, at a house in Jalan Sri Mangga, Taman Sri Mangga Seksyen 1, in Melaka Tengah, between 1.30am and 3.30am on Feb 22.

The charge was framed under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which provides for the death penalty or imprisonment of 30 to 40 years and a mandatory whipping of at least 12 strokes of the cane.

Deputy public prosecutor Hanis Aliah Ahmad Kamarulnajuib appeared for the prosecution while Hong was unrepresented.

The court fixed April 21 for the submission of the DNA and post-mortem reports.

Hong was seen arriving at the court complex in a police vehicle, wearing a Melaka Hospital patient gown with his left hand bandaged due to injuries.