KOTA KINABALU: It was not a birthday anniversary a bird’s nest dealer Kung Yung Chee would have wished for.

       On his 35th birthday anniversary on Thursday (Jan 27), Kung was hauled to the Magistrate’s Court here where he was charged with murder.

       He was accused of murdering former hotel worker Jusmani Durugan, 30, outside the Maple Karaoke Lounge in Penampang Baru at 3.26am on Jan 24.

       The charge is framed under Section 302 of the Penal Code.

       No plea was recorded from Kung.

       Magistrate Lovely Natasha Charles set Feb 28 for next mention of the case.

       She also ordered for Kung to be detained pending the disposal of his case.

       Prosecuting Officer Insp Kelvan Elson Maik said they would be applying to transfer the case to the High Court.

       Kung was represented by counsel Amli Noraufe Nohin.

       A manhunt was launched by Penampang police for Kung after he was seen in CCTV footage stabbing a man near the entertainment outlet.

       Kung was found hiding at a hotel in Limbang, Sarawak on Jan 13.

       He was brought back to Sabah and remanded for two weeks.