BUKIT MERTAJAM (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - A man was charged in a magistrate's court here with the murder of a durian seller over the quality of the fruits he sold.

Ooi Chang Ang, 60, who is self-employed, nodded as the charge was read to him in Hokkien. No plea was recorded.

He was charged with killing Mr Ong Ting San, 61, at a house in Taman Sri Kijang, Bukit Mertajam, between 4.45pm and 5.15pm on Aug 18.

The charge carries the mandatory death sentence upon conviction.

Ooi's counsel, Mr Rafael Abdullah, told the court that his client experienced pain at the back of his head and asked to go to the hospital before being sent back to the lock-up.

Magistrate Jamaliah Abd Manap granted the appeal and set Nov 25 for mention of the case.

It was reported that Mr Ong was stabbed several times near his stall in Taman Sri Kijang after running away from a suspect.

He died at the Seberang Jaya Hospital about six hours after the attack.

The suspect was arrested when he reported to the central Seberang Prai police headquarters about 20 hours after the incident.