SEREMBAN: A 33-year-old man claimed trial at the Sessions Court here to a charge of committing physical sexual assault against his underage stepdaughter, who is in her teens.
The accused pleaded not guilty after the charge was read to him before judge Surita Budin on Tuesday (Sept 9).
The suspect, who works for a canopy rental company, was charged with committing the offence at a house in Batu Kikir, Jempol, at around 9pm on July 29.
He was charged under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, read together with Section 16(1).
Offenders can be jailed for up to 20 years and caned upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Norazihah Asmuni then told the court her team was offering the accused bail of RM40,000 with one surety pending the submission of documents.
She also asked the court to order the accused to stay away from the alleged victim, to report to the nearest police station once a month till the case is disposed of, and to surrender his passport, if he had one, to the court.
Norazihah also told the court that the alleged victim was currently living with her biological father in Ipoh.
The father of the accused, who was also present in court, pleaded for a lower bail as he only works as an e-hailing driver and is already in his 60s.
Judge Surita then set bail at RM12,000 with one surety and allowed the other applications by the prosecution.
The court set Oct 14 for next mention and to allow the accused to appoint counsel.
