MUAR: A factory operator pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court today to charges of raping his stepdaughter, who was staying overnight at his home in Kluang two years ago.
The 31-year-old entered his plea and claimed trial after the charges were read to him by the court interpreter before Judge Sayani Mohd Nor.
According to the charges, the accused is alleged to have committed the act against the victim, who was 12 years old at the time, at his home in Kluang at around 3pm between April and May 2022.
The accused, a divorcee, is charged under Section 376(3) of the Penal Code, which carries a sentence of up to 30 years in prison and whipping upon conviction.
According to a report made by the victim's mother, who is also the accused's ex-wife, the victim was invited by her half-sibling to visit the accused's home.
The accused then took the opportunity to commit the heinous act while the victim was asleep in a room upstairs.
After the incident, the victim kept the matter to herself until she eventually confided in her mother, who then lodged a police report on Aug 8.
Following the report, police conducted an investigation and arrested the accused the next day to assist the investigation.
The prosecution was led by deputy public prosecutor Danial Munir, while the accused was represented by lawyer Nurrul Nadia Norrizan.
The court set Sept 23 for the submission of documents and granted the accused bail of RM10,000 with one surety. The court also imposed two conditions: the accused must report to the nearest police station and refrain from communicating with or disturbing the victim or prosecution witnesses until the case is concluded.