A 27-year-old male cosmetics marketing assistant faced three charges today for allegedly molesting and exposing his two young stepdaughters, aged 5 and 6.
After hearing the charges, the accused pleaded not guilty and was granted bail set at RM15,000 with one surety.
The first two charges state that on the nights of May 11 and July 5 this year, the accused allegedly molested the victims inside a bedroom and bathroom of a residence in Alor Setar.
These acts violate Section 14(a) of the 2017 Sexual Offences Against Children Act, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment and whipping upon conviction.
The third charge alleges that on the same dates, in the kitchen of the same residence, the accused exposed his private parts to the two victims, contravening Section 15(a)(i) of the same act.
Under this provision, a guilty verdict can result in imprisonment of up to 10 years, a fine of up to RM20,000, or both.
The Deputy Public Prosecutor Ali Husain proposed bail at RM20,000 with additional conditions.
The defense lawyer, Aniraffi, informed the court that the accused is divorced and has a 2-year-old daughter currently cared for by her mother in Kedah. He added that the accused earns RM2,000 monthly as a marketing assistant at an online cosmetics company and must pay rent, requesting a reduction in bail amount.
Judge Aizakharuddin of the Alor Setar Sessions Court approved bail at RM15,000 with one surety, ordering the accused to report to the police station during the first week of every month, prohibiting him from harassing witnesses and victims, and requiring him to surrender his passport to the court.
The case is scheduled for the next hearing on August 25.
