Ilhamni Badaruddin, 32, pleaded not guilty today at the Alor Setar sessions court to a charge of attempted murder under Section 307(1) of the Penal Code, reported Berita RTM.

Judge N Priscilla Hemamalini allowed Ilhamni to be referred to Hospital Bahagia after an application by his lawyer, Hakim Hamran.

The court order was issued after Hakim applied for a mental health assessment for his client, citing his alleged history of psychiatric and other health issues. The prosecution did not object.

Ilhamni is alleged to have stabbed a 35-year-old woman in the neck with a knife at a parking area outside a restaurant in Titi Gajah, Alor Setar, at 9.19pm on May 17.

The woman sustained serious injuries but survived the attack.

If convicted under Section 307(1) of the Penal Code, Ilhamni faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment.

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