Yusof Mat Yatim, 42, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read before judge Meor Sulaiman Ahmad Tarmizi, Utusan Malaysia reported.

He is accused of attempting to murder Nur Syazwana Talaha, 38, by trying to smother her with a pillow at around 9am on March 25.

The charge under Section 307 of the Penal Code is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine, upon conviction. If the act resulted in injury to Syazwana, Yusof may be jailed a maximum of 20 years, upon conviction.

Prosecuting officer Zahira Musa asked the court not to allow bail, saying the father of three, who was unrepresented, was “aggressive” during the course of the investigation and had even tried to leap from the fourth floor of a building.

The judge did not grant bail, and fixed May 4 for mention.