A FOOD delivery rider was charged at the Sessions Court in Ipoh today with raping a schoolgirl two weeks ago.

Afiq Yan Muhammad Farid Yan, 20, pleaded not guilty to the charge read out before Judge Norita Mohd Ardani.

He was alleged to have raped the 15-year-old girl at a hotel in Ipoh at around midnight on July 16.

The charge, framed under section 376(1) of the penal code, carries a maximum prison term of 20 years and whipping, upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Afiqa Liyana Rozman prosecuted, while the accused was represented by Mahajoth Singh.

The court allowed the accused bail of RM5,000 with one surety and set September 9 for next mention.

On July 20, police arrested six youths, aged between 16 and 21, on suspicion of raping a schoolgirl after her mother lodged a police report. – Bernama, July 28, 2022.