15-07-2025
Robbery suspect ordered to undergo psychiatric evaluation
BATU PAHAT: A coffee shop worker accused of attempting to snatch a woman's handbag was ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation at Permai Hospital after the court found that he did not understand the charge read out to him.
The Yong Peng magistrate's court issued the order to Ismail Abu Amin, 48, during proceedings today before magistrate Arun Noval Dass.
No plea was recorded from the accused, prompting deputy public prosecutor Farah Wahidah Mohd Sharip to request a mental health evaluation.
The court allowed the application and ordered the suspect to be referred to Permai Hospital in Johor Baru for examination under standard procedures.
According to the charge, the accused, a divorcee, allegedly attempted to snatch a 31-year-old woman's handbag by forcefully yanking it, causing the strap to snap, at a junction in Jalan Parit Jalil, Parit Sulong, at 11.20am on July 12.
He was charged under Section 393 of the Penal Code for attempted robbery, which carries a jail term of up to seven years and a possible fine upon conviction.
Ismail was represented by Tan Song Yan of the National Legal Aid Foundation.
