A RETIRED Army officer with the title Datuk was charged in the Ayer Keroh Magistrates’ Court on Friday with allegedly using criminal force against a 20-year-old golf caddie with intent to outrage her modesty last month.
Yahya Hashim, 68, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read before Magistrate Uthman Abd Ghani.
According to the charge, Yahya allegedly used criminal force against the victim, with the intention of outraging her modesty.
The alleged offence took place between 8.30am and 12.30pm on Aug 25 at a golf course along Jalan Gapam, Bukit Katil.
The charge was brought under Section 354 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum jail term of 10 years, a fine, whipping, or any two of the punishments upon conviction.
The incident is understood to have occurred when the victim, who was working as a golf caddie, was assigned to provide services to Yahya and another unidentified individual.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Syauqi Mardia Baharudin proposed bail of RM5,000, with an additional condition that Yahya be prohibited from interfering with the victim.
Defence lawyer Melvin Tay, who represented Yahya, appealed for a lower bail amount, citing his client’s prostate health problems and assuring the court that he would not abscond as he is residing in Melaka.
The court subsequently allowed Yahya to be released on RM2,500 bail with one surety.
The case was fixed for mention on Sept 28. - September 4, 2026