By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, Sept 2: A lance corporal has pleaded not guilty for being absent from his duties continuously for 21 days without reasonable reason.
Zulkarnain Ahmad, 33, pleaded not guilty to the charge framed under Section 86(1) of the Police Act 1967, which carries a jail term up to 12 months, upon conviction.
Magistrate Zubaidah Sharkawi allowed the Zulkarnain to be released on RM1,500 cash bail with one local surety and fixed Oct 11 for further mention of the case.
Zulkarnain was allegedly absent from his duties continuously for 21 days, from May 23 to Aug 1 without reasonable cause.
The police had sent a letter to the accused after he had been absent without reasonable cause for 21 days to request an explanation from him but he did not respond.
The Integrity and Standards Compliance Department of the Sarawak Contingent Police headquarters then lodged a police report for further action.
Prosecuting Officer Insp Nur Syafiqa Nyaie Ilin prosecuted while the accused was unrepresented by counsel. — DayakDaily
