BATU PAHAT: The court complex here has again become a hive of activity, with many people turning up to follow the latest developments in the trial over the murder of Mila Sharmila Samsusah, better known as Bella.
The complex began filling up with people, many of whom were relatives of the 32-year-old whose skeletal remains were found in an abandoned house.
They arrived as early as 8am, while the accused, Bella's 24-year-old ex-boyfriend Mohammad Haikal Mahfuz was brought in about 8.10am, under heavy police escort.
Among those present were Bella's mother, Noraini Salleh, 55, elder sister Norhisham, 36, and uncle, Nor Azhar Jamil, 55.
Haikal's family members were also seen in the complex prior to the case coming up for re-mention.
Haikal was charged with Bella's murder on Jan 24, five days after he was arrested upon his return from performing the umrah.
Bella's remains were identified on Jan 23, and a post-mortem examination determined that she had died due to cracks in her skull.