Kedah Realtor Charged With Attempted Murder of Single Mother, Ordered to Undergo Psychiatric Evaluation

KUALA LUMPUR, May 2026 — A 32-year-old real estate agent has been charged at the Alor Setar Sessions Court with the attempted murder of a single mother who was allegedly stabbed in the neck in Kedah earlier this month.

The accused, Muhammad Ilhami Badaruddin, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read before Sessions Court Judge N. Priscilla Hemamalini. He was charged under Section 307(1) of the Penal Code for attempted murder.

According to the charge, Muhammad Ilhami allegedly attempted to murder 35-year-old Nurul Husna Kasmani by stabbing her in the neck with a knife at the parking area of Sheikh Bistro in Titi Gajah, Kepala Batas, near Alor Setar. The incident allegedly took place at about 9.19pm on May 17.

The victim reportedly sustained serious injuries but survived the attack. The case has drawn public attention because it involves a violent assault against a single mother and has now moved into court proceedings.

During proceedings, the defence applied for the accused to be referred for further psychiatric evaluation. His lawyer, Mohd Hakim Hamran, told the court that his client had a history of psychiatric and health issues.

Bernama reported that the lawyer informed the court that Muhammad Ilhami had been receiving psychiatric treatment at Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah and had regular medical appointments. The defence also said the accused had been taking medication for mental health issues, including obsessive-compulsive disorder and hearing voices.

The defence argued that the psychiatric assessment was necessary to ensure a fair trial, as the accused must be mentally fit to present his defence. The application was made under Section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

The prosecution did not object to the application. Judge N. Priscilla Hemamalini then allowed the accused to be referred to Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta in Tanjung Rambutan, Perak, for psychiatric assessment.

The court also set July 2 for the next mention of the case. No bail was allowed for the accused.

Under Section 307(1) of the Penal Code, a person convicted of attempted murder can face a prison sentence of up to 20 years if the act causes injury. The section is commonly used in cases where prosecutors allege that an accused person intended to cause death but the victim survived.

The case remains before the court and the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. The psychiatric evaluation is expected to help determine his mental condition and whether he is fit to proceed with trial.

The incident has also raised public concern over violent crime and women’s safety, especially in public areas such as restaurants, parking lots and commercial premises.

For now, the case will continue after the court receives further updates related to the psychiatric assessment. The next mention on July 2 is expected to determine the direction of the proceedings, including whether the accused will be fit to face trial.