AN ethnic Rohingya man, also known as “Long Tiger”, claimed trial at the Muar Sessions Court today to a charge of raping a local woman, two years ago.

Abdul Hamim Ab Hamid, 32, entered the plea after the charge was read out to him before judge Amran Jantan.

Hamim was charged with raping the 19-year-old woman in a house in Taman Sri Jaya, Bukit Gambir, Tangkak between 1pm and 2.05pm on September 26, 2019.

The charge, framed under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code, carries a maximum 20 years’ jail and whipping.

Amran allowed the accused bail of RM10,000 with two sureties, with additional conditions that he must report to the nearest police station every month, surrender his passport to the court and refrain from witness intimidation.

The court also fixed September 8 for mention of the case.

Deputy public prosecutors Ummi Amyra Natasha Azhar and Muhammad Azfar Mahmod prosecuted while Hamim was represented by counsels Shaharudin Ali, Muhammad Hariz Md Yusof and Muhammad Noor Azfar Noor Azmi.

Earlier, Hamim claimed trial at the Tangkak magistrates’ court to criminal intimidation and wrongful confinement of a former worker.

Long Tiger had been the talk among social media users for being vocal and causing controversies, including making defamatory statements against police officers on live-streaming platforms. – Bernama, August 8, 2021.