Jobless duo claims trial to robbing, injuring Marudi grocery store owner

MIRI (Oct 4): Two unemployed men pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here today to committing armed robbery against and causing injury to a grocery shop owner.

Cornelius Wan Malang, 40, from Jalan Dato Galau in Baram, and Jude Antok Setia, 41, from Sungai Anggoh, Anap in Tatau, made the plea after the charge under Section 394 of the Penal Code read together with Section 34 of the same Code was read to them by a court interpreter.

They face up to 20 years in prison, and also liable to a fine or whipping, if convicted.

According to the charge sheet, they allegedly robbed and caused injury to the 62-year-old victim at a grocery shop in Jalan Lubok Nibong, Marudi at around noon on Sept 21, 2024.

Judge Azreena Ali set Nov 7 for case management and allowed both accused to be released on bail of RM5,000 with two local sureties, each.

Separately, Cornelius claimed trial in the same court to a charge of abusing amphetamine and methamphetamine.

He allegedly committed the offence at around 1.05am on April 21, 2024.

The charge against him was framed under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, punishable under Section 39C(1)(b) of the same Act.

If convicted, he faces imprisonment of between five and seven years, and caning.

It was informed that Cornelius had been convicted in 2020 and 2022 for abusing drugs.

Judge Azreena fixed Nov 7 for case management, and June 18 and 19, 2025 for trial, and ordered Cornelius to be further held at Miri Central Prison pending the trial.

Appearing for the prosecution in both cases was ASP Koay Kok Ping, while the two accused were unrepresented.