[UPDATED] Man charged with murdering student in Kuantan

KUANTAN: An unemployed 19-year-old man was charged in the Kuantan magistrate's court today with murdering a female student last week.

The charge was read out to F. Alan Stevekumar by a translator before magistrate Tuan Ruzuaini Tuan Lah.

Wearing a black T-shirt, red shorts and a face mask, Alan appeared calm as he sat in the gallery with a policeman beside him.

After the charge was read out, Alan nodded and said "faham" (understand).

Alan, who is from Perak, was charged with murdering M. Elisa Jonova, 19, between 4.32am and 4.55am on Oct 6 at Jalan Air Putih 2, Taman Pauline, here.

He was charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which provides for the death penalty or imprisonment for up to 40 years.

Pahang Director of Prosecutions Mohd Sabri Othman appeared for the prosecution, while Alan was unrepresented.

Sabri told the court that a new mention date was needed to allow the prosecution to review the post-mortem and toxicology reports.

Tuan Ruzuaini fixed Nov 12 for mention.

Earlier, Alan was brought from a basement holding cell to the courtroom at 9.20am to face the charge. He has been in police custody since Oct 6.

The victim was allegedly strangled following an argument with the accused.