GS Angela Dewi, 45, who operates an eatery, and her brother Vijaya, 42, an eatery assistant, nodded to indicate they understood the charge read out by the court interpreter before Magistrate Muhammad Noor Firdaus Rosli. No plea was recorded.

They were charged with the murder of R Devarajoo, 59, at a house at the PKNS low-cost housing area in Kampung Baru Sungai Chua here between noon and 1pm on Oct 1.

The charge, under Section 302 of the Penal Code, provides for the mandatory death sentence upon conviction.

Noor Firdaus set Dec 21 for mention. He did not allow bail.

Deputy public prosecutor Muhammad Hairuliqram Hairuddin appeared for the prosecution, and the duo were not represented.

It was earlier reported that the woman had told police there had been a robbery at her home and that her husband, who ran a transportation and scrap metal business, had been hit on the head.

Police had also been quoted as saying their investigation revealed the incident may have been linked to inheritance of assets.