A TEENAGE religious school student has pleaded guilty in a Magistrates' Court today to charges of sexually assaulting a younger pupil at a Tahfiz centre (religious school) in Hulu Langat last year.
The accused, who was 17 years old at the time of the incident, admitted to committing an act of physical sexual assault against a 13-year-old victim in April of the previous year, Astro Awani reported today.
He was charged under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 and could face a sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment and potential caning upon conviction under Section 14 of the same act.
The defendant was observed nodding in understanding as the charges were read before Magistrate Normaizan Rahim.
Deputy Public Prosecutor S. Kirthana proposed bail of RM8,000 but defence counsel A. Rahman Mohd Nasir, representing the accused, requested a reduction in the amount, citing the defendant's underage status and lack of employment.
The court granted bail at RM3,000 with one guarantor.
The court has scheduled 18th June for sentencing, pending a behavioural report from the Department of Social Welfare (JKM). – April 11, 2025
