Kuala Lumpur: A businessman appeared in the Magistrate's Court today to face charges related to the alleged murder of his wife at a residence in Sungai Long last week.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the accused, Tan Hee Heng, 66, did not enter a plea as the case falls under the High Court's jurisdiction. Tan is accused of murdering Lee Lai Peng, 63, in Taman Bukit Palma, Sungai Long, between 3:30 am and 5:19 am on February 21. The charge under Section 302 of the Penal Code carries severe penalties, including a potential death sentence, imprisonment ranging from 30 to 40 years, and a minimum of 12 lashes if convicted.

The court, presided over by Magistrate Nurul Hafzan Ab Aziz, scheduled March 13 for the mention of the case. Deputy public prosecutor Nur Ain Mohd Sabirin is leading the prosecution, while lawyer Y S Ling represents the accused.

A previous media report revealed that the couple's son had lodged a police report, alleging that his father attempted to harm himself by slashing his wrist after the purported murder of his mother.