KUALA TERENGGANU - A teacher of a religious school pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here today to two counts of physical sexual assault.
Mohamad Aswadi Yah, 46, made the plea before Judge Wan Nor Aklima Wan Salleh.
He was charged with committing the offences, framed under sections 14(a) and 14(b) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, on a 14-year-old boy at a house in Jalan Pantai Batu Rakit, Kampung Mengabang Telong here at 9 pm on Feb 15 this year.
He faces a maximum jail sentence of 20 years and whipping if convicted of the offences.
The court allowed him bail of RM18,000 with one surety for both charges and set Nov 5 for mention.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Nur Nabihah Hanin Ayim appeared for the prosecution, while Mohamad Aswadi was represented by lawyer Mohd Irwan Sumadi. - BERNAMA