A GENERAL worker at a welfare home pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court in Johor Baru today to four counts of sexual assault and rape of a 10-year-old child in care.

Kok Sai Kim, 42, made the plea before Judge Wan Mohd Norisham Wan Yaakob.

Kok was charged with committing the offences on the 10-year-old girl at a welfare home in Taman Century, Johor Baru in May this year.

He was charged with three counts of committing physical sexual assault under Section 14 (a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which provides an imprisonment for up to 20 years and whipping, if found guilty.

On the rape charge, he was charged under Section 376(2)(e) of the Penal Code, which provides for imprisonment of not less than 10 years and shall also be liable to whipping, upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Chan Choon Yew requested the court deny bail as the victim was still living at the home where the accused was working.

Wan Mohd Norisham agreed, adjourning the case to September 22, so the accused could appoint counsel, as well as for submission of documents. – Bernama, August 4, 2021.