Kg Tanduo intrusion: trial of alleged terrorists begins from Jan 6

The High Court here today fixed 17 days beginning Jan 6 next year to hear the case of 30 individuals alleged to be involved in various terrorist acts in Sabah.

Justice Stephen Chung fixed Jan 6-10, 15-17, 27-30 and Feb 10-14 to hear the case at the Sabah Prisons Department, which will be declared an open court.

He also fixed Dec 15 for the prosecution and defence to file agreed facts and issues.

The court had originally fixed an 11-day trial beginning Sept 17.

But the counsel required time to study voluminous documents and recordings as well as satellite imaging in relation to the case.

Meanwhile, Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail said the extended timeframe of the trial was to ensure a smooth proceeding with at least 50 witnesses to be called.

"But I can confirm with you now, the number (of witnesses) can go up or down.

"We have to allow the prosecution to cross examine, bearing in mind there are 30 witnesses," he told reporters after case management was heard.

Among the 30 individuals accused of committing various offences between Feb 9 and April 10 are three locals, including a woman, Norhaida Ibnahi, 46, for harbouring a group of terrorists while Abd Hadi Mawan, 49, and Abdul Majil Jubin, 41, were charged with being members of a terrorist group and with committing treason against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

The offences allegedly committed by the other 27 accused persons, who are Filipino nationals, included waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, being members of a terrorist group and harbouring a group of terrorists.

All were arrested after the armed intrusion in Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu, Sabah by militants from the southern Philippines in February.

Ten Malaysian security personnel - eight policemen and two slodiers - lost their lives while more that 70 intruders were killed in the the armed showdown with the Malaysian security forces that followed.