A HOTEL executive pleaded not guilty in the Ayer Keroh Sessions Court on Tuesday to two charges of committing physical sexual assault against his 15-year-old stepdaughter last year.
The 32-year-old accused entered the pleas after both charges were read before Sessions Court Judge Rohatul Akmar Abdullah.
Under the first charge, the man is accused of committing physical sexual assault against the alleged victim in March 2025 at a house in Taman Permatang Pasir Permai, Melaka Tengah district.
The second charge alleges that he committed the same offence against the same victim at the same location in June 2025.
Both charges were brought under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years' imprisonment and may also include whipping upon conviction.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Muhammad Qaiyyum Ramlan requested a new mention date for the submission of case documents and proposed bail of RM18,000.
The prosecution also sought additional bail conditions requiring the accused to report to the nearest police station every month and prohibiting him from approaching or contacting the alleged victim.
Defence counsel Ishak Kari appealed for a lower bail, informing the court that his client earns RM1,700 a month as a hotel executive.
He also submitted that the accused's wife is unemployed and that the couple have four children, including a nine-year-old child with disabilities.
The court granted bail of RM10,000 with one surety while maintaining the additional conditions sought by the prosecution.
The case was fixed for further mention on Aug 18 for the submission of case documents. - July 14, 2026
