MI Saravanan, 32, nodded after the charge was read out before magistrate Harith Mazlan.

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

Saravanan was charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code with murdering a man, known as Fendi, in an alley near a hotel on Jalan Horley here on Aug 27.

If convicted, he faces the death penalty or imprisonment of not less than 30 years and up to 40 years, as well as no fewer than 12 strokes of the cane.

There was no request for bail. The court set Nov 4 for mention.

Saravanan was represented by lawyer S Vinesh while deputy public prosecutor S Nishaalini appeared for the prosecution.