JOHOR BARU: Mamat, the ex-vocalist of popular rock band Exists, pleaded not guilty to two charges of possessing and consuming drugs.

       The 46-year-old, whose real name is Mohd Ali Kamarudin, made the plea after the charges were read to him before Magistrate Hidayatul Syuhada Shamsud and Sessions Court Judge Fatimah Zahari at their respective courtrooms here on Tuesday (Jan 23).

       At the Magistrate's Court, Mamat was accused of consuming methamphetamine at 2am on Sept 9, 2019.

       The charge was framed under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and is punishable under Section 39C(1)(b) of the same Act, which carries a jail term of between five years and seven years and whipping of not more than three strokes on conviction.

       At the Sessions Court, Mamat was accused of possessing 0.17g methamphetamine during a police raid on Jalan Camar 1/3 of Taman Perling here at 11.35pm on Sept 8, 2019.

       The charge was framed under Section 12(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for drug possession, which carries a jail term of up to five years or a maximum fine of RM100,000 or both if found guilty.

       Deputy public prosecutor Bari’ah Jalil and Nur Aqiilah Ahmad Rofaei prosecuted while Mamat was represented by Azlina Abdul Aziz.

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       Azlina has requested for the court to allow her client to undergo a psychiatric evaluation at the Permai Hospital here, in line with Section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

       Judge Fatimah allowed the request and set Feb 22 for mention pending the medical report.