K Nagentheran, 39, nodded after the charge was read to him before magistrate MS Arunjothy.

No plea was taken as the case falls under the High Court’s jurisdiction.

Nagentheran was accused of murdering K Kumaran, 44, by the roadside at Taman Intan Baiduri, Sentul, at 9.23pm on May 25, Utusan Malaysia reported.

He was charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty or no less than 30 years’ imprisonment and a minimum of 12 strokes of the rotan, if convicted.

The prosecution was led by prosecuting officer Yunus Daud, while the accused was unrepresented.

The court fixed Sept 10 for remention of the case pending the post-mortem report.

It was reported that a group of men were drinking outside a temple when a fight broke out.