A teenage resident of a children’s welfare home pleaded not guilty at the Selayang Magistrate’s Court today to four charges involving sexual offences against a young boy.
The 17-year-old entered his plea after all charges were read before Magistrate Mahmoodah VM Abdul Latif. Proceedings were held behind closed doors as the case involves a minor.
According to the charges, the teenager is accused of committing an offence against the order of nature involving a 10-year-and-five-month-old boy at a childcare facility in Batu Caves at about 8.30pm on March 27, 2026.
He was charged under Section 377C of the Penal Code, which carries a sentence of not less than five years and up to 20 years’ imprisonment, as well as whipping, upon conviction.
For the second charge, he is accused of committing physical sexual assault against the same victim at the same location, date and time under Section 14(b) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, punishable under Section 14 of the same Act, which provides for up to 20 years’ imprisonment and whipping.
He also faces two additional charges of non-physical sexual offences involving the same victim, under Sections 15(a)(i) and 15(a)(ii) of the same Act, which carry a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to RM20,000, or both, if convicted.
However, provisions under laws governing juvenile offenders will apply as the accused is under the age of 18.
The court granted bail at RM6,500 with one surety and fixed June 24 for case mention for the submission of documents.
Deputy public prosecutor Hafiz Aiman Badrisham appeared for the prosecution, while lawyer Azman Abdullah represented the teenager.
In a related development, a caretaker of the same welfare home, Retna Velu, pleaded guilty at the Ampang Sessions Court yesterday to similar charges, with sentencing set for May 21.
Meanwhile, the owner of the welfare home, S Valan, has pleaded not guilty to four charges of physical sexual assault.
