KUCHING: A 41-year-old male primary school teacher appeared in the Sessions Court here today, facing charges of committing physical sexual abuse against a 12-year-old female student last July.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge before Judge Noorhisham Mohd Jaafar.
According to the charge sheet, the teacher, entrusted with the care of students, allegedly touched the genital and breast areas of the victim, a sixth-grade student, inside the school library.
He is charged under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, read together with Section 16 of the same Act.
Conviction under the provisions carries a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and whipping.
During the proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor, Adriana Maisarah Mohd Farid, proposed bail of RM10,000 with one local surety.
The defendant’s lawyer, Steven Beti, sought a reduction in bail, highlighting that his client had five children and was the family’s main breadwinner, apart from caring for elderly parents.
The court approved bail at RM10,000 with one local surety.
The case is set for mention on January 23, 2026.
