MELAKA: A male teacher pleaded not guilty to two counts of allegedly molesting two Primary Six pupils inside a “haunted house” in a school here.
The plea of Mohd Azhar Mohamad, 44, was recorded before Sessions Court judge Rohatul Akmar Abdullah here yesterday.
Based on the charge sheet, the accused had allegedly molested a 12-year-old schoolgirl.
He allegedly repeated the offence on another 12-year-old female pupil, with both offences allegedly committed at a primary school in Paya Rumput here at 9.30am on Jan 8.
The charges were framed under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which carries a maximum prison term of 20 years and whipping upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Nur Azizah Yusof prosecuted while Mohd Azhar, who is a father of three, was unrepresented.
The court set bail of RM21,000 with one surety for both charges, as well as setting an additional condition where the accused needs to report to the nearest police station each month until the disposal of his case.
The next mention date is scheduled for Feb 17.
On Jan 9, Melaka acting police chief Senior Asst Comm Datuk Md Nazri Zawawi told media that the two victims came out crying and shaken after they were invited to “experience” the haunted house, a structure created in conjunction with the school’s carnival.
He said they were invited into the house by Mohd Azhar for a “trial run” before he allegedly molested them.
The two terrified victims ran to the headmistress’ office right after their traumatic experience, SAC Md Nazri said.
Both victims were shivering and began crying as they narrated their ordeal to the headmistress.
The accused also allegedly tested positive for drugs during a screening conducted after he was detained on the same day.
