KOTA BHARU: The Federal Court commuted the death sentence of an ex-mechanic to a 35-year jail term and 12 strokes of the cane for killing a woman nine years ago.

A three-judge panel led by Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Mat on Thursday (April 18) unanimously allowed the review application by Norhalis Mohamad Zaid, 38, under Section 302 of the Penal Code, Section 2(4) and 3(1) of the Revision Sentences of Death and Imprisonment for Natural Life (Temporary Jurisdiction of the Federal Court) Act 2023.