IPOH: A former teacher at a religious school here was charged in the Sessions Court wih committing physical sexual assault against a 12-year-old boy last year.
Muhammad Najmuddin Jamal, 27, claimed trial to charge before judge Jean Sharmila Jesudason on Tuesday (Oct 14).
According to the charge sheet, the incident took place sometime in August last year at a school in Hulu Chepor, Chemor.
The accused allegedly touched the child, with whom he had a relationship of trust as a teacher, in an inappropriate manner.
He is charged under Section 14 (a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, read together with Section 16.
If found guilty, he faces a maximum of 20 years' jail and caning.
Deputy public prosecutor Nor Arfahanim Azureen Arfanuddin offered RM20,000 bail, and the additional condition that the accused not go near the alleged victim.
Najmuddin's lawyer Khairul Anuar Musa said his client was no longer teaching in the school.
He added that his client had to care for ailing parents.
"He works as a community development officer earning RM1,700, from which he gives RM1,000 to his parents and... younger sibling.
"He only has RM700 monthly in his hand, and bail is to ensure my client attends court, so the amount need not be excessive," he said, arguing for a lower bail amount.
Judge Jean Sharmila set bail at RM9,000 with one surety. She also ordered the accused to report to the nearest police station once a month, and not approach the boy or witnesses.
She then fixed Nov 26 as the next mention date.
Najmuddin posted bail.
