By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, Dec 19: A primary school teacher claimed trial at the Sessions Court here today to a charge of physical sexual assault involving a 12-year-old female pupil.
The 41-year-old accused pleaded not guilty after the charge was read before Judge Noorhisham Mohd Jaafar.
According to court documents, the accused, who was in a position of trust as an educator, is alleged to have committed physical sexual assault against a Year Six pupil by inappropriately touching the victim’s private parts and chest.
The incident allegedly occurred inside the library of a primary school in Kuching in July last year.
The charge was framed under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, punishable under Section 14 of the same Act and read together with Section 16. Upon conviction, the accused faces a sentence of up to 20 years’ imprisonment and whipping.
During the proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor Adriana Maisarah Mohd Farid proposed bail at RM10,000 with one local surety.
Defence counsel Steven Beti sought a lower bail amount, submitting that his client has five children to support and is also responsible for caring for his elderly parents as the family’s main breadwinner.
After hearing submissions from both parties, the court allowed the accused to be released on bail of RM10,000 with one local surety.
The case has been fixed for pre-trial case management on January 23, 2026. — DayakDaily
