Kota bharu: A fruit seller was acquitted and discharged by the Sessions Court here today on charges of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. Judge Zulkifli Abllah ordered Mohd Haziman Hikamarhakimi, 38, to be freed after finding that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against the accused at the end of the prosecution's case.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the judge stated that the prosecution failed to prove that the firearms were in the possession and control of the accused. Furthermore, there were inconsistencies between the testimonies of the investigating officer and the arresting officer. "As such, I hereby decide that the prosecution failed to prove a prima facie case against the substance of both charges. Therefore, the accused is acquitted and discharged from both charges without being called to defend himself," said the judge.

Mohd Haziman was initially charged with possessing an Italy-made Beretta Patented Gardone V.T. pistol and a 357 Magnum Cartridge Colt's PT FA MFG CO Hartford Conn USA revolver with serial number V16140 at a house in Lot 365, Jalan Long Yunus, Kampung Tanjung Chat at 11 pm on March 12, 2024. This charge was under Section 8 of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971, which could result in a maximum prison sentence of 14 years and six strokes of the cane if convicted.

Additionally, he faced charges of possessing various types of ammunition without a valid license. The ammunition included four 9MM Luger A USA ammunition, nine 9MM Luger NRC ammunition, five 9MM Thai Arms ammunition, 18 357 Mag Ap ammunition, one 357 Mag A USA ammunition, and one 9MM Luger PMC ammunition at the same location, time, and date. This charge was framed under Section 8(a) of the Arms Act 1960, which provides for imprisonment of up to seven years or a fine not exceeding RM10,000, or both, if convicted.

The prosecution was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Kamarul Hasyime Rosli, while lawyer Datuk Geethan Ram Vincent represented the accused.