GEORGE TOWN: A 71-year-old man has claimed trial to two charges of raping and committing an act of unnatural sex against his employer's daughter at a shopping mall here last Thursday (Oct 1).
Chuah Cheng Seng made the plea after the charges were read to him in Hokkien before Judge Juraidah Abbas at the Sessions Court here on Tuesday (Oct 6).
"I understand both charges.
"I claim trial and seek to be tried," he told the court.
On the first charge, Chuah was accused of raping an 18-year-old woman in a men's toilet on the second floor of a shopping mall here.
He was alleged to have committed the offence at about 4.30pm on Oct 1.
He was charged under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code, which provides for up to 20 years' imprisonment and whipping upon conviction.
On the second charge, Chuah was accused of intentionally committing an act of carnal intercourse against the order of nature.
He was alleged to have committed the offence at the same place, time and date.
The charge was framed under Section 377C of the Penal Code, which carries up to 20 years' imprisonment and whipping upon conviction.
DPP Anuarul Hakim Abdul Muen offered bail of RM10,000 with one local surety for each charge.
He also applied for additional conditions, including for Chuah to report to the nearest police station on the first day of every month, surrender his passport to the court until the case was concluded and refrain from approaching or interfering with the victim or witnesses.
Lawyer K. Mahendran then applied for a reduction in bail, saying his client was unemployed and suffered from diabetes.
"The accused is elderly and unemployed. He also suffers from diabetes and is taking medication for the condition.
"His livelihood is currently supported by his son, who works as a salesman earning RM2,000 a month.
"His son is present today to stand as his surety," he said.
Earlier, Mahendran had to calm Chuah, who appeared frightened.
Juraidah then set bail at RM14,000 with one local surety for both charges.
She also allowed all the additional conditions sought by the prosecution.
The case was adjourned to Nov 16 for document submission.
It was earlier reported that the suspect had allegedly dragged the victim into a men's toilet on the second floor of the shopping mall before raping and sexually assaulting her.
The assault allegedly continued until a mall visitor knocked on the toilet door.
After the incident, the suspect allegedly gave the victim cash before taking her back to her father's shop nearby.
Traumatised by the incident, the victim told her family, who then lodged a police report that led to the suspect's arrest.
