IPOH: A former teacher at a religious school here pleaded not guilty to a charge of touching the private parts of a 12-year-old boy last year.
Muhammad Najmuddin Jamal, 27, claimed trial to the charge before judge Jean Sharmila Jesudason yesterday.
According to the charge sheet, the accused in August of last year at the school in Hulu Chepor, Chemor, had allegedly touched the genitals of the child, who was a student.
He was charged under Section 14 (a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which is punishable under the same Act, and read together with Section 16 of the same Act.
If found guilty, he faces a maximum of 20 years imprisonment, and is also liable to whipping.
Deputy public prosecutor Nor Arfahanim Azureen Arfanuddin requested a RM20,000 bail and for the accused not to be anywhere near the victim.
Counsel Khairul Anuar Musa said his client was no longer teaching at the school and had to look after his ailing parents.
He said his client’s mother is currently hospitalised, while his father suffers from high blood pressure, diabetes and heart-related problems.
“He now works as a community development officer in Kemas, earning RM1,700 from which he gives RM1,000 to his parents and for the expenses of his younger sibling.
“He only has RM700 monthly in his hand, and that bail is to ensure my client attends court, and therefore the amount need not be excessive.
“I request a minimum bail,” he said.
Judge Sharmila set bail at RM9,000 with one surety.
“You must report to the nearest police station once a month, and you must not disturb the victim and the witnesses,” she said.
She then fixed Nov 26 as the next mention date. The accused posted bail.
At a another Sessions Court, an Indonesian couple pleaded guilty to a charge of abusing a three-year-old boy leading to his death last month.
The accused, labourer Siswadi, 35, and his unemployed wife Nurhayati, 34, pleaded guilty to the charge made before judge Ainul Shahrin Mohamad.
The court fixed Nov 17 for the case facts to be presented with the presence of an Indonesian interpreter and for sentencing to be handed down.
It also ordered the prosecution to notify the Indonesian embassy regarding the case involving the duo accused from Medan.
According to the charge sheet, the couple, who had custody of the boy – identified as Mhd Hasbih – abused him, resulting in his death at a house in Kampung Sadang Blanja Kiri, Parit, Perak Tengah, around 10am on Sept 22.
The offence under Section 31(1)(a)of the Child Act 2001, is punishable under the same section and read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code.
If convicted, they face a fine of up to RM50,000, imprisonment of up to 20 years, or both.
Deputy public prosecutor S. Vitthiyeswary appeared for the prosecution, while both accused were unrepresented.
Vitthiyeswary did not offer bail, as the couple is also currently being detained under the Immigration Act 1959/63.
