This comes after the suspect was charged with a lesser offence that could see him walk free with just a fine.

The brutal incident left Rina Minda Sari, a 48-year-old housewife from Lorong Tenggiri 19, with eight stitches to her head and bruises on her arms.

Rayer said despite the serious injuries, the suspect was charged in court under Section 324 of the Penal Code for “voluntarily causing hurt”, which he said was too light and “not suitable at all” for the crime.

Rayer said the man claimed trial last September at the magistrates’ court in Bukit Mertajam and is currently out on bail.

“If he pleads guilty, he can just pay a fine and walk free,” he told reporters at the Penang DAP headquarters here.

He said the couple’s lawyer, who is holding a watching brief for them, had already written to the Attorney-General’s Chambers to ask for stiffer charges to be filed under Sections 394 and 397 of the Penal Code for armed robbery and causing grievous hurt.

These sections carry heavier punishments, including longer jail time and whipping.

Rayer said the victim and her husband, Ahmad Hussain Hassan, 65, also told police that their cabinets had been rummaged through and that there was damage to their property.

“We cannot take this lightly. A hammer is a dangerous weapon. The woman had to be stitched up and was left traumatised. The charges must reflect the seriousness of the attack,” he said.

Rayer hoped the AGC would reconsider the case and file fresh charges to match the crime committed.

The senior criminal lawyer said it was important for the public to see that justice is done and that violent crimes are not treated lightly.