BUTTERWORTH: A man believed to be linked to GISB Holdings (GISB) was today charged with committing sexual abuse against a 13-year-old.
Muhammad Miqdam Muhammad Amir claimed trial to the charge which was read to him by the court interpreter before Sessions Court Judge Zulhazmi Abdullah.
The 23-year old accused nodded his head before uttering 'faham' when asked if he understood the charge.
He then said 'tak' (salah) when asked for his plea.
Muhammad Miqdam was alleged to have touched the child's private parts when he was a hostel warden tasked with looking after the victim.
He was accused of committing the offence at the hostel room of Rumah Jagaan Harapan Al Mahabbah at Jalan Bagan Buaya in Nibong Tebal near here about midnight on July 11, 2022.
He was charged under Section 14 (a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, read together with Section 16 (1) of the same act.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Wan Amira Ruzaini Wan Abdul Razak prosecuted while Muhammad Miqdam was represented by Naqieya Zulkernaim from the National Legal Aid Foundation (YBGK).
The prosecution later applied for the court to fixed a date for submission of documents and also urged the court not to allow bail.
Wan Amira said bail should be denied due to the seriousness of the case as it involved sexual acts against a child.
However, Naqieya told the court that Muhammad Miqdam is working as a delivery man with no fixed income and has to support his parents.
She said her client also had to take care of aged parents who suffered from high blood pressure.
"My client has a family to care for and there is no flight risk," she said, adding any decision on her client's bail application should be assesed merely on securing his attendance in court.
"As such, we plead for a minimal bail," she said.
Zulhazmi later set bail at RM5,000 with one surety and fixed Nov 14 for mention.
He also ordered Muhammad Miqdam to report himself to the nearest police station once a month until the end of the case.
"The accused is also not allowed to disturb the victim, the complainant as well as witnesses in this case," he added.
It was reported that the Rumah Jagaan Harapan Al Muhabbah was one of four premises raided by authorities, allegedly linked to GISB, last month.
Besides the home, Rumah Permata Kasih Taman Seri Mengkuang in Kubang Semang and Kedai Kek Dan Roti Ikhwan and Ikhwan BP Mart in Bandar Perda, Bukit Mertajam were also raided.
During the raid, the Penang Islamic Religious Department (JHEAIPP) also seized six books suspected to be related to Al Arqam, which had been banned.