A contractor claimed trial before the High Court here today to a charge of recruiting two villagemates as members of DaIsh.

Saidin Yaacob, 49, is accused of knowingly recruiting Ishak Haya, 61, and Abd Halid Dari, 54, as members of the terrorist group, at Lot 3487, Rancangan Pinggir Padang Besar, Jeneri, Sik, Kedah, between January and September 2014. The charge under Section 130E of the Penal Code provides for a maximum 30 years imprisonment and liable to a fine on conviction.

Justice Datuk Nordin Hassan set Jan 9 and Jan 10 for trial.

Deputy public prosecutor Muhammad Fadzlan Mohd Noor appeared for the prosecution while Saidin was represented by counsel Adi Zulkarnain Zulkafli. - BERNAMA