Post by : Shakul

A 42-year-old male teacher has pleaded not guilty at the Setiu Sessions Court in Terengganu to seven serious sexual assault-related charges involving two teenage male students.

The accused, identified as Darusalam Ab Rahman, entered his plea after all charges were read out before Judge Ahmad Fadhli Mahmud during proceedings held on Wednesday.

According to the charge sheet, the first three charges involve alleged communication via WhatsApp with a 17-year-old boy, with intent to commit or facilitate physical sexual assault. These offences were reportedly committed at a house in Kampung Anak Ikan, Besut, on multiple dates in May, specifically on the 5th, 8th, and 10th, between 9.21pm and 2.10am.

These charges fall under Section 12(1) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act (SOACA) 2017, read together with Section 16(1), which provides for imprisonment of up to five years and whipping upon conviction.

In addition, the teacher faces two separate charges of allegedly committing physical sexual assault against the same 17-year-old victim. These incidents are said to have occurred inside a car in front of an eatery in Kuala Terengganu and later in front of a house in Kampung Anak Ikan on May 11, both around 9pm and 10pm respectively.

These offences are charged under Section 14(a) of SOACA 2017, read with Section 16(1), which carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years’ imprisonment and whipping.

The accused is also facing two further charges involving a 15-year-old male student. These alleged offences reportedly took place in a secondary school toilet in Besut on May 8 around 4pm, also under Section 14(a) of SOACA 2017.

During the court proceedings, Judge Ahmad Fadhli Mahmud granted the accused bail set at RM22,000 with one surety. Additional conditions include monthly police reporting and a strict prohibition from contacting any prosecution witnesses.

The court also ordered the accused to remain under legal supervision, and fixed July 6 for mention and submission of documents at the Besut Sessions Court.

The prosecution was led by Deputy Public Prosecutor Muhammad Akmal Mohd Jazlee, while the accused was represented by defence counsel who requested anonymity.

The case remains ongoing as authorities continue legal proceedings under Malaysia’s child sexual offence laws.

#Asia News #Malaysia News #Crime #Courtroom