A 67‑year‑old former school clerk pleads not guilty to the alleged rape of his nine‑year‑old great‑niece; court imposes strict bail conditions amid concerns over proximity and risk to victim
A 67‑YEAR‑OLD retired school clerk, who also lost his wife, pleaded not guilty today in the Butterworth Sessions Court to charges of raping his nine‑year‑old (then) great‑niece at a home in Permatang Kerai Besar, Kepala Batas, between 2022 and 2023.
The charges are brought under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code, which mandates a prison term of not less than 10 years and not more than 30 years, along with whipping if convicted.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Muhammad Rifaie Mohamed Riyaludin opposed bail, citing the defendant’s familial relationship to the victim and their close proximity of residence, which could pose a risk to the child.
The defence, represented by Yazid Khairul Azman and Ismat Arif Abu Hassan, argued the man’s poor health and need for ongoing medical care as mitigating factors.
The court granted bail at RM12,000 with one surety and imposed conditions that the accused must report monthly to a police station and refrain from contacting the victim or prosecution witnesses.
The case is scheduled to return on 24 September for medical testimony.
22‑Year‑Old Eatery Assistant Denies Raping Friend, Bail Set at RM9,000
Meanwhile, a 22‑year‑old eatery assistant, Yusri Hafiez Yahya, pleaded not guilty today in the same court to charges of raping his 14‑year‑old female friend at around 2 a.m. on 1 August in a room at a residence in Bandar Putra Bertam, Kepala Batas.
He faces charges under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code, which carries a penalty of 10 to 30 years’ imprisonment and caning upon conviction. Representing the prosecution again was Muhammad Rifaie Mohamed, while the accused did not have legal representation.
Although bail was initially not offered, the court allowed it at RM9,000 with one surety, insisting on additional conditions. These include monthly police station reporting and no interference with prosecution witnesses.
The defendant, earning RM1,500 a month supporting his parents, consented to the conditions. The hearing is adjourned to 24 September pending a medical report. - August 15, 2025
