S'porean principal of religious school claims trial to sexual abuse charges

MELAKA: The 36-year-old Singaporean principal of a religious education institution in Tanjung Minyak here has claimed trial at the Session Court here to three counts of sexual abuse on a 15-year-old male student.

Muhammad Firdaous Abdul Rashif faces a total jail term of up to 60 years if he is convicted.

He was charged with attempting to kiss the victim in the mouth and rub his genitals against the victim when he was 14-years-old.

The father of five was also accused of penetrating the anus of the victim.

The offences allegedly took place at a condominium in Klebang on July 13 and July 28, 2018, and on Jan 18, 2019 at a home within the institution in Tanjung Minyak.

If found guilty of the offences under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, Muhammad can be jailed for up to 20 years and whipped for each offence.

Lee Wai Yee prosecuted, while the accused was represented by counsel Norfazlinda Alimad and Faiezad Razali.

Judge Elesabet Paya Wan fixed bail at RM30,000 with two local sureties and ordered the accused to stay away from the victim.

The court also compounded his passport and ordered him to report to the nearest police station on a monthly basis.

The re-mention date was fixed for August 28.