By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, March 17: A 31-year-old construction site supervisor pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here today to a charge of raping a 15-year-old girl whom he allegedly befriended through social media.
The accused was charged under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code, which provides for a prison sentence of up to 20 years and whipping upon conviction.
According to the charge, the alleged offence took place at about 7pm on March 4, 2025, inside a four-wheel-drive vehicle parked at Pantai Abang Amin in Lundu.
It is understood that the case came to light after the victim lodged a police report, which later led to the arrest of the accused.
After the charge was read, the man claimed trial before Judge Iris Awen Jon.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Chuah Kai Sheng subsequently requested the court to fix a new date for case management and objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the offence.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and is classified as a serious offence under Section 52B of the Penal Code.
Lawyer Francis Teron represented the accused.
The court later set April 15, 2026, for case management and ordered that the accused be remanded in custody with no bail granted. — DayakDaily
