KUCHING, Dec. 5 -- A man suspected of going on a rampage with a meat cleaver at the Kampung Tabuan Lot surau last month has claimed trial in the Sessions Court here.

The 25-year-old pleaded not guilty when the charge under Section 326 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 326A, was read before Judge Noorhisham Mohd Jaafar.

He is accused of voluntarily causing hurt to his 70-year-old granduncle.

Section 326 provides for imprisonment of up to 20 years, as well as a fine or caning, while Section 326A allows for enhanced penalties - up to twice the maximum imprisonment term - for causing hurt to a family member under several specified sections of the Penal Code.

The court fixed January 6 for pre-trial case management.

The alleged...