A CONSTRUCTION worker was charged at the Kuala Terengganu Sessions Court today with eight counts of terrorism-related offences, including threatening to attack the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Selangor.

Mahadi Mamat, 34, nodded to indicate he understood the charges, which were read out before judge Wan Azimah Yaacob.

According to the first and second charges, Mahadi allegedly sought support for terrorist acts by issuing threats to attack the temple and kill four Malaysians via the “Sejati Sejiwa” WhatsApp group.

He allegedly committed the offences in Kg Teris, Hulu Terengganu, between January 7 and May 5, and was charged under Section 130J(1)(b) of the Penal Code, or Act 574, which carries a life imprisonment or jail term of up to 30 years, or a fine, and is liable to the forfeiture of any property used or intended to be used in connection with the commission of the offences, upon conviction.

For the third charge, he allegedly provided firearms training to members of the “Sejati Sejiwa” group in preparation to commit a terrorist act.

He allegedly committed the offence at the same location, time and date, and was charged under Section 130F(a) of the Penal Code, or Act 574, which provides for a maximum jail term of 30 years and is liable to a fine upon conviction.

For the fourth charge, he allegedly ordered members of the WhatsApp group to commit a terrorist act, and was charged under Section 130F(b) of the Penal Code, or Act 574, which carries a maximum jail sentence of 30 years and a fine upon conviction.

For the fifth and sixth charges, Mahadi allegedly obtained six pipe bombs, a semi-automatic CZ 75 B pistol and 15 Luger 9mm bullets with the intention of carrying out acts of terrorism.

He was charged under Section 130JD(1) of the Penal Code, or Act 574, which carries a maximum jail term of seven years and a fine.

For the seventh charge, he allegedly recruited several individuals to join the “Sejati Sejiwa” group to commit a terrorist act, and was charged under Section 130E of the Penal Code, or Act 574, which provides for a maximum jail term of 30 years and is liable to a fine upon conviction.

For the last charge, he allegedly had in his possession materials related to the Islamic State in his mobile phone, and was charged under Section 130JB(1)(a) of the Penal Code, or Act 574, which carries a maximum jail term of seven years and a fine, and is liable to the forfeiture of the items in question, upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Mohd Izhanudin Alias prosecuted. The accused was not represented.

The court fixed July 9 for mention of the case. – Bernama, May 29, 2019.