Charged: Wan Mohammad Arif being escorted by policemen after being charged at a Sessions Court in Sepang. — Bernama
SEPANG: A marine engineering student was brought to court here over allegations of attempting to travel to Syria to aid terrorist group Islamic State’s (IS) cause.
Wan Mohammad Ariff Wan Rokman, 23, was accused of attempting to board a Turkish Airline flight bound for Istanbul, Turkey, in order to join a the terrorist organisation.
He was proffered an alternative charge of attempting to benefit IS by travelling to Syria in order to support the terrorist organisation.
The alleged offences occurred at the international departure lounge of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), in Sepang, at 10.15pm on Dec 28 last year.
It is learnt that he was studying in Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), in Arau, Perlis.
The offences under Section 130J of the Penal Code for supporting terrorism are punishable by up to 30 years in prison to life, a fine or confiscation of any assets suspected of being used for terrorist activities.
No plea was recorded when the charges were read in the Sessions Court here.
However, Wan Mohammad Ariff confirmed that he understood the charges.
DPP Afzainizam Abdul Aziz acted for the prosecution, while Wan Mohammad Ariff was unrepresented.
Judge Aizatul Akmal Maharani denied bail.
The judge fixed March 30 for mention, to transfer the case to the High Court.
