A 25-YEAR-OLD hardware shop worker was produced before the Sessions Court in Kuala Terengganu on Thursday and charged with rape and physical sexual abuse involving his 16-year-old sister.
The accused is alleged to have committed rape at a house in the district at about 11pm in January this year, an offence punishable under Section 376(3) of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment and a minimum of 10 strokes of the cane upon conviction.
He was also charged with committing physical sexual abuse against the same victim at about 9pm on 21 June, under Section 14(d) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which provides for a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment and a minimum of two strokes of the cane if found guilty.
The accused pleaded not guilty after both charges were read before Judge Mohd Zul Zakiqudin Zulkifli.
The court agreed to the prosecution’s application, represented by deputy public prosecutor Muhammad Asymawi Ghazali, that no bail be granted in the interest of the victim’s safety. The case is set for mention on 2 August. - July 2, 2026
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