KOTA KINABALU: A 64-year-old man claimed trial to trafficking in firearms at the High Court here today.
Djusni Bonggo was accused of trafficking in four "bakakuk" (homemade guns) at a house at Kampung Kinarotuan in Ranau at 2.30am on Aug 6, 2019.
The offence carries the death sentence or life imprisonment with whipping of not less than six strokes, upon conviction.
Djusni pleaded not guilty before judge Wong Siong Tung. The court fixed Feb 13 to 17 for trial.
Djusni, who suffers from kidney disease and backbone problem, was initially allowed bail of RM15,000 with two local sureties when he was charged at the Sessions Court in 2019.
Today, the court ordered the accused to be remanded pending trial.
"At this stage and in the absence of the medical report of the accused person, I have no material for me to exercise my discretion in favour of granting bail, even if Section 12 of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971 is not constitutional," said Wong, who set Sept 5 for defence to produce medical records.
Deputy public prosecutor Mohammad Ali Imran prosecuted while Djusni was represented by counsels Ram Singh, Kimberly Ye and Chen Wen Jye.
Djusni will be jointly tried with his son, Elbino, 43, who faces a similar charge.
Elbino had, on July 27, pleaded not guilty to trafficking in three air rifles at the same time and place.