JOHOR BARU: A 20-year-old factory worker has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing an underaged girl who was believed to be her girlfriend.
Nur Farisha Syahaniey Muhamad Shukur was charged with two counts of physical sexual assault against the girl, who was 13 years old at the time.
In the first charge, she was accused of committing the crime at Felda Sungai Sibol, Kulai, in the middle of last year.
In the second charge, Nur Farisha Syahaniey allegedly performed similar acts towards the victim at the same place in February this year.
She pleaded guilty to both charges before Sessions Court judge Thalha Bachok @ Embok Mok on Thursday (March 27).
The charges were framed under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which carries a maximum jail term of 20 years and caning upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Nor Fadilah Johanuddin requested a bail of RM20,000 for each of the charges.
The accused asked for a lower bail amount, saying that she has to help her mother take care of her younger siblings, who are still studying.
“I cannot afford to pay a high bail amount as my basic salary is RM1,500,” she added.
Judge Thalha allowed bail at RM11,000 with one surety for each of the two charges and told the accused not to harass the victim and witnesses, to report to the police station monthly and to hand over her passport to the court.
The court fixed April 28 for next mention and delivery of its decision.
