A PENSIONER today pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court to three charges of raping and sexually assaulting his 12-year-old biological daughter, who is now pregnant.
The 45-year-old accused entered his plea before Judge Jean Sharmila Jesudason after the charges were read out.
He is accused of raping the 12-year-old, 9-month-old girl, an act prohibited by law, religious decree, custom, or tradition due to their relationship. This act was allegedly committed around 11:30 PM in mid-December 2024, in the master bedroom of a residential park in Batu Gajah.
For the two sexual assault charges, the accused is alleged to have committed the acts at 2:30 PM in mid-December 2024, and between 2:30 PM and 8:30 PM in January 2025, at the same location.
The rape charge falls under Section 376(3) of the Penal Code, while the sexual assault charges are under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 (Act 792), punishable under the same section and act, read together with Section 16(a) of the same Act.
The prosecution was led by Deputy Public Prosecutor Qurratu'aini Khalifah, while the accused was represented by counsel Muhammad Farhan Ahmad Fadzil.
The prosecution did not offer bail, citing that the accused resided with the victim, but requested a bail of RM30,000 if the court granted it. Additional conditions sought included the accused not disturbing or approaching the victim and witnesses, and reporting to the police station at the beginning of each month until the case concludes.
Muhammad Farhan requested a lower bail, stating that the accused, who receives a monthly pension of RM1,800, is the sole breadwinner as his wife is unemployed and they have six school-aged children.
He added that the accused had given an undertaking and was prepared to meet stringent court conditions for bail, including finding separate accommodation from the victim to continue supporting his family.
The court granted bail at RM21,000 with one local surety, along with the additional conditions that the accused must not disturb or approach the victim and witnesses, and must report to the police station until the case is finalised.
The case has been set for mention on August 18.
It is understood that the victim, who is still in school, is currently six months pregnant. - July 16, 2025
