TWO men have appeared in the Muar Sessions Court on separate charges involving rape and sexual offences, with one pleading guilty to rape and the other facing three counts including sexual assault and unnatural sex.
Muhammad Iqbal Kamal Jalil, a 20-year-old motorcycle workshop worker, pleaded guilty today to the rape of a 15-year-old girl who was known to him and had been reported missing last week.
The court heard that Muhammad Iqbal committed the offence at a house in Tangkak at 4 am on 12 October. He faces a maximum of 20 years in jail and caning under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code.
Sessions Court Judge Mohd Khairi Haron set 27 November for the submission of a probation report, facts, and sentencing. Muhammad Iqbal was offered bail of RM10,000, but he was unable to pay and was subsequently sent to Muar Correctional Centre for temporary detention.
In a separate matter, a 27-year-old farm worker was arraigned on three charges: sexual assault, rape, and unnatural sex against his niece, which allegedly occurred two years ago when she was 16.
The accused, who was not named, admitted guilt only to the charge of sexual assault but pleaded not guilty to the two remaining charges, electing to claim trial.
The court was told the acts were allegedly committed at a house in Tangkak at 6.30 am on 25 July 2023.
The charges were brought under Section 376(1) and Section 377C of the Penal Code, and Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017. All charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and caning upon conviction.
The court granted the farm worker bail of RM15,000 with one surety, which he paid. The court fixed 28 October for the submission of documents and appointment of counsel. - October 21, 2025