Man Pleads Not Guilty to Sexually Assaulting Teen Stepdaughter in Jempol

SEREMBAN, Sept 9 (VoM): A 33-year-old man pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court here today to a charge of physically and sexually assaulting his teenage stepdaughter.

The accused, employed by a canopy rental company, entered his plea before Judge Surita Budin after the charge was read to him. He allegedly committed the offense at a house in Batu Kikir, Jempol, 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). The offense carries a penalty of up to 20 years’ imprisonment and whipping upon conviction.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Norazihah Asmuni informed the court that the prosecution proposed bail of RM40,000 with one surety. She also requested several conditions: that the accused stay away from the alleged victim, report monthly to the nearest police station until the case is concluded, and surrender his passport if he possesses one.

Norazihah added that the victim is currently residing with her biological father in Ipoh.

The accused’s father, present in court, appealed for a lower bail, citing financial hardship as he is an e-hailing driver in his 60s.

Judge Surita granted bail of RM12,000 with one surety and allowed the prosecution’s additional conditions. The case has been fixed for mention on October 14 to enable the accused to appoint legal counsel.