Two brothers pleaded not guilty in the Muar Sessions Court today to multiple charges of sexually assaulting their young cousin in a storeroom five years ago.
According to Berita Harian, the siblings — now aged 18 and 25 and working as fishermen — were accused of committing the offences against their cousin, who was only nine at the time. The alleged incidents took place in a storeroom and a bedroom in Tangkak during March, November and December 2020.
They were charged under Sections 14(a) and 14(d) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which carry penalties of up to 20 years’ imprisonment and whipping for each offence.
The victim reportedly told investigators that the brothers had threatened to harm her if she revealed the assaults to her parents. She eventually confided in them, prompting a police report at the Sungai Mati police station.
The court set bail at RM8,000 for the older brother and RM9,000 for the younger sibling, each with one surety. Both were ordered to report to the police monthly and are barred from contacting the victim or prosecution witnesses.
The case has been fixed for remention on February 24 for the appointment of defence counsel and submission of documents. The prosecution is led by deputy public prosecutor Nur Ameerah Allaudeen, while both accused are currently unrepresented.
