KOTA KINABALU: A bird’s nest dealer hiding in neighbouring Sarawak, who was tracked down by police, was charged with murder on his birthday.

       Kung Yung Chee, 35, was charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code for allegedly killing former hotel employee Jusmani Durugan, 30, just outside the Maple karaoke lounge in Penampang Baru, near here, at 3.26am on Jan 24.

       No plea was recorded from Kung at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

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

       She also ordered the accused to be held pending the disposal of his case.

       Prosecuting officer Insp Kelvan Elson Maik said they would apply to transfer the case to the High Court.

       The accused was represented by lawyer Amli Noraufe Nohin.

       According to earlier reports, a manhunt was launched by police after a man was captured on CCTV footage stabbing another man in Penampang.

       The suspect was tracked down hiding at a hotel in Limbang in neighbouring Sarawak on Jan 13.

       He was subsequently brought back to Sabah and remanded for two weeks before being charged yesterday.