By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, Jan 12: A 50-year-old man appeared in court today, accused of fatally attacking a cemetery worker in Kota Sentosa earlier this month and attempting to kill the victim’s son during the same confrontation.
The man was first brought before the Magistrates’ Court in Kuching to answer to a murder charge involving 68-year-old Lo Thin Kuek.
The accused acknowledged that he understood the accusation, but no plea was taken as murder cases must be dealt with by the High Court.
He was ordered to remain in custody without bail while authorities wait for the post-mortem findings, with the case scheduled for mention on Feb 19, 2026.
According to the prosecution, the alleged attack occurred late in the morning of Jan 3 at a cemetery along Jalan Lumba Kuda in Kota Sentosa.
The offence carries the possibility of capital punishment. If a death sentence is not imposed, the law allows for a lengthy prison term and whipping.
Separately at the Sessions Court, he was charged with attempted murder for allegedly attacking a 34-year-old man, believed to be the deceased’s son.
He pleaded not guilty. That case was fixed for management on Feb 12, 2026, and the court directed that he continue to be held in remand.
Deputy Public Prosecutors (DPPs) Mohamad Aiman Mutallib Mohamad Shariff and Chuah Kai Sheng handled the matters in different courts, while the accused appeared without legal representation.
The incident drew attention after a cemetery worker was found collapsed with severe injuries at a Chinese burial ground in Kota Sentosa. He was later pronounced dead by medical staff. His son, who was also injured, was hospitalised and reported to be in stable condition.
Investigators detained the 50-year-old suspect along with a 28-year-old woman shortly after the incident. Sources later indicated the woman had been released on a bond and would serve as a witness for the prosecution. — DayakDaily
