A young man pleaded guilty at the Sessions Court today to raping a female student who was reported missing last week.
The accused, 20-year-old Muhammad Iqbal Kamal Jalil, a motorcycle workshop worker, entered his plea as the charge was read out in court before Judge Mohd Khairi Haron with the assistance of an interpreter.
According to the charge, he allegedly raped the 15-year-old student, who was also an acquaintance, at a house in Tangkak at 4 a.m. on October 12.
He faces charges under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code, which carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and whipping.
The court set November 27 for a report on the accused’s character, facts, and sentencing, and offered bail of RM10,000. However, Muhammad Iqbal was unable to pay bail and was remanded at the Muar Correctional Centre.
Meanwhile, at the same court, a 27-year-old farm worker faced three charges involving sexual misconduct, rape, and unnatural intercourse against his 16-year-old niece two years ago.
He pleaded guilty to one count of physical sexual molestation but denied the other two charges, requesting a trial. The alleged offences took place at a house in Tangkak at 6:30 a.m. on July 25, 2023.
He is charged under Sections 376(1) and 377C of the Penal Code, as well as Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017. Conviction could result in up to 20 years imprisonment and whipping for each charge.
The court granted him bail of RM15,000 with one surety, which he paid, and set October 28 for document submission and appointment of his lawyer.
