Suspect in KLIA Shooting Case Faces Seven Charges in Kota Bharu Court

On April 24, 2023, Hafizul, the suspect in the KLIA shooting case, arrived at the Kota Bharu Court in Kelantan to face several charges, including offenses under Section 8 of the Firearms Act (Increased Penalties) 1971 and Section 8 of the Explosives Act 1957 (Act 207). The 38-year-old travel agency manager pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Hafizul was accused of illegally possessing a Glock 19 Austria pistol, 33 rounds of PMC 380 AUTO bullets, and a clear plastic package containing ball-shaped firecrackers without a permit. He also faced charges for possessing three identification cards belonging to different individuals and driving a white Honda Civic car with a fake registration number.

The prosecution was handled by the Kelantan state prosecution director and deputy public prosecutors, while Hafizul requested bail and permission to appoint a lawyer. The court did not grant bail for the charges involving the firearm, ammunition, and firecrackers, but allowed a bail of RM10,000 for the charges related to the identification cards and the fake car registration number.

Why this matters: The KLIA shooting case has attracted significant attention due to the audacious nature of the crime and its occurrence at a major international airport. The outcome of this case could have implications for airport security measures and public safety in Malaysia.

The next hearing is set for May 23 for case management and lawyer appointment. During the proceedings, Hafizul was ordered to be held in Sungai Buloh Prison. The suspect is accused of shooting at his wife, Farah Md Isa, a travel agency owner, in an attempt to kill her at the KLIA 1 arrival hall on April 14. Farah's bodyguard was shot in the stomach while trying to save her, and Hafizul escaped to his car parked at the airport's car park before being arrested in Kota Bharu on April 15 after a two-day manhunt.

Key Takeaways

• Hafizul, 38, charged for KLIA shooting, pleaded not guilty
• Accused of illegal firearm, ammunition, firecrackers possession
• Denied bail for firearm-related charges, granted RM10,000 bail for other charges
• Next hearing on May 23 for case management and lawyer appointment
• Suspect accused of shooting at his wife, her bodyguard injured