Singaporean man, girlfriend may face death penalty in Malaysia over alleged drug trafficking charges

SINGAPORE - A Singaporean man and his Malaysian girlfriend, who were hauled to court in Johor, Malaysia, on Thursday (Aug 18), face the death penalty or life imprisonment if convicted of drug trafficking.

Loh Kok Kiong, 49, and Soh Yong Xin, 32, were allegedly caught with drugs at a house in Forest City on Aug 9.

They are alleged to have trafficked more than 9.6kg of methamphetamine and possessed 666g of ketamine.

Loh is alleged to have also trafficked 139g of nimetazepam at a house in Taman Sutera and injected methamphetamine into his body at the Iskandar Puteri District Police Headquarters Narcotics Division.

Loh faces a total of six charges while Soh faces two.

ALSO READ: Too good to be true: Singapore man gives $30k to influencer 'girlfriend', realises he's not her only Prince Charming

The couple pleaded not guilty to possessing ketamine, and Loh also pleaded not guilty to the charge of consuming methamphetamine.

No plea was recorded for their other charges.

Malaysian media reported that bail has not been offered for the couple who did not have lawyers.

The cases are now before the Malaysian High Court and are expected to be mentioned again on Sept 20, pending chemistry and pathology reports.

Those convicted in Malaysia of drug trafficking may be put to death, or jailed for life with at least 15 strokes of the whip.

This article was first published The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.