PASIR MAS: A headmaster or "mudir” of a "pondok” school was charged in the Sessions Court here today with seven counts of physical sexual assault on a male student and possession of obscene images.
Muhammad Aswadi Yah, 46, pleaded not guilty to all the charges before Judge Zulkpli Abdullah.
On the first to sixth charges, the man is charged with physically sexually assaulting the 16-year-old student at a house in Kampung Kubang Batang, Tumpat, between 7 and 7.30am from June 2024 to August this year.
The charges are framed under Section 14(d) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which provides imprisonment for up to 20 years and whipping, if convicted.
On the seventh count, Muhammad Aswadi is charged with possessing obscene images on his mobile phone at about 4pm last Aug 29 at the same location.
The offence, under Section 292 of the Penal Code, provides a maximum prison sentence of three years or a fine or both, if convicted.
The court allowed him bail of RM45,000 with one surety for all the charges. He is also ordered to report to a nearby police station once a month and not intimidate witnesses in the case.
The prosecution was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Siti Aiysha Na'ilah Harizan, while Muhammad Aswadi was represented by lawyer Mohd Irwan Sumadi.
The court set Nov 11 for mention. - Bernama
