A 22-YEAR-OLD factory operator has claimed trial to charges of raping and allegedly committing an act against the order of nature involving a 20-year-old polytechnic student at a hotel in Butterworth.
Muhammad Hazarul Zaim Rusli appeared before Sessions Court Judge Ooi Sheow Yean today to face the two charges.
For the first charge, he is accused of raping the woman in a room at the Golden Oriental Hotel, Jalan Kampung Benggali, at about 3.30am on August 17.
The charge was framed under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and whipping upon conviction.
He also faces a second charge of allegedly committing an act against the order of nature by penetrating the victim’s anus with his penis without her consent at the same place, date and time.
The offence carries a jail term of between five and 20 years and whipping upon conviction.
Muhammad Hazarul Zaim pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Muhammad Izad Firdaus appeared for the prosecution, while the accused was represented by lawyer RSN Rayer.
The court granted him RM10,000 bail and ordered him to report to a nearby police station every two weeks.
He was also prohibited from contacting or interfering with the alleged victim.
The case was fixed for mention on September 29 for the submission of documents.
Muhammad Hazarul Zaim has not been convicted of any offence, and the charges must be proven in court. - August 27, 2026
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