KUCHING: A 25-year-old security guard was charged in the Sessions Court here today (Feb 19) with multiple offences related to the possession and sale of child sexual abuse material.
The accused pleaded not guilty to all three charges when they were read before Judge Musli Abdul Hamid.
He faces two charges under Section 8 and Section 10 of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 (Act 792), as well as one charge under Section 292 of the Penal Code.
Under Section 8 of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, the offence carries a penalty of up to 15 years’ imprisonment and whipping of up to three strokes upon conviction.
The Section 10 offence provides for imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of up to RM10,000, or both.
Meanwhile, the charge under Section 292 of the Penal Code carries a penalty of up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both, upon conviction.
The accused is alleged to have committed the offences on Feb 11 at about 8.30 pm in Batu Kawa here.
He was allegedly found in possession of a smartphone containing child sexual abuse material and is further accused of engaging in the sale of such material, knowing it involved the sexual exploitation of children.
During the case hearing, the court allowed bail at RM50,000 (undeposited) and RM10,000 (deposited) with two local sureties who must have permanent addresses.
The accused was also ordered to report to the nearest police station on the first day of every month until the disposal of the case.
His passport was ordered to be surrendered to the court.
Pre-trial case management has been fixed for March 13, while trial dates have been set for May 13 and June 15 to 16.
The prosecution is led by Deputy Public Prosecutor, Asmawi Nur Haim Mokhtar, while the accused is represented by counsels, Francis Teron and Benedict Yeo Wei Hup.
