Justice Norliza Othman also sentenced S Panirselvam, 42, to 15 years in prison for causing grievous hurt to another neighbour.

The court ordered for both sentences to run concurrently, effective from the date of Panirselvam’s arrest on Dec 13, 2022.

Panirselvam was found guilty of causing the death of Hafiz Abdullah, 52, in front of a house along Jalan Tepi Sungai between 10.30am and 11am on Dec 13, 2022.

He was also convicted of voluntarily causing grievous hurt to Ng Hui Can, 46, with a parang at the same place and time.

Deputy public prosecutor Farah Aqilah Ahmad Fuad urged the court to impose the death penalty, saying murder was a grave offence.

She said CCTV footage showed the accused repeatedly attacking both victims with a parang, causing fatal injuries to Hafiz and serious injuries to Ng.

“Even after the deceased was no longer able to defend himself, the accused continued the attack, making the offence more serious and not to be taken lightly,” she said.

Defence counsel Zamri Ibrahim appealed for a lighter sentence, saying his client had expressed remorse for his actions.