Soldier pleads not guilty to molest attempt charge

File photo depicting the Kuching Court Complex.

By Dorcas Ting

KUCHING, May 20: A soldier with the rank of private claimed trial at the Magistrate’s Court here today to a charge of intending to molest a girl.

The 21-year-old accused, from Terengganu, pleaded not guilty to the charge framed under Section 354 of the Penal Code, which carries imprisonment up to 10 years, or a fine, or whipping, upon conviction.

Magistrate Syarifah Fatimah Azura Wan Ali allowed the accused to be released on RM5,000 bail with one local surety.

The accused allegedly used criminal force against a 36-year-old girl by grabbing her hands and pushing her in a room with the intention to outrage her modesty, at a room in Kozi Square at about 10.15am, on May 16, 2022.

It was reported that the accused followed the victim to the door of her room and started to try to molest her.

The victim then shouted for help until the accused ran away.

The victim then lodged a police report to obtain the CCTV footage from the management of the said apartment for further investigation.

Investigating Officer Inspector Mohd Adzmei Ahmad prosecuted while the accused was unrepresented by counsel. — DayakDaily