A 62-year-old man was sent to prison for temporary detention today after failing to post RM3,000 bail in connection with an alleged molestation case involving a female trader last year.
The accused, Lau Chit Seng, told the magistrate’s court that he was unable to raise the bail amount as he lives alone, is unmarried, and has no financial means.
Lau pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Arun Noval Dass to a charge under Section 354 of the Penal Code, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine, whipping, or any two of the punishments if convicted.
According to the charge, Lau allegedly molested the victim at a tom yam shop in Tongkang Pechah at around 11pm on Nov 10 last year.
Based on the police report, the victim was at the eatery with her daughter and had stood up to pay for her meal when the accused, who was standing beside her, allegedly molested her. The incident was witnessed by the victim’s daughter, who later lodged a police report.
Deputy public prosecutor Firdaus Ruslan appeared for the prosecution, while Lau was represented by Tan Song Yan from the National Legal Aid Foundation.
