MELAKA: A civil servant who is also a part-time Qasidah teacher, has pleaded not guilty to three charges of sexually assaulting two boys, aged 11 and 12.
The 34-year-old man, who was unrepresented, made the plea before Sessions Court Judge Rohatul Akmar Abdullah.
He is accused of sexually assaulting the two boys at a Qasidah centre in Bukit Katil at 1.30am on Feb 3.
The charge was framed under Section 14(b) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act for physical sexual assault which carries a maximum 20-year jail term.
The man, who is a medical assistant at a hospital in Melaka, requested bail, citing his family's financial situation. He also said his father has recently working while his mom is unwell.
The court set bail at RM15,000 and ordered the man to report to the nearest police station every month.
He was also ordered to stay away from the victims and prosecution witnesses until the case is disposed of.
Prosecution was handled by Deputy Public Prosecutor Muhamad Ali Hussain.
The court set Nov 18 for remention.