AN unemployed man was charged in the Kuala Terengganu Sessions Court today with committing physical sexual assault on two girls at a relief centre last week.

Mohammed Rashid Rahmat, 61, claimed trial to both charges before judge Nooriah Osman.

He was charged with committing the offence on two girls, one aged seven years and four months and the other, seven years and five months, in the corridor of the shelter at a primary school in the Kuala Nerus district between 6pm and 8pm last November 22.

The charges were framed under section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which provides a prison sentence of up to 20 years and whipping.

The court then allowed the accused bail of RM5,000 for each charge with one surety.

Rashid was also ordered to report himself to the Gong Badak police station on the first day of every month pending the disposal of the case and to not intimidate the victims and witnesses.

The court set December 31 for mention.

Deputy public prosecutor Intan Nor Hilwani Mat Rifin prosecuted, while the accused was represented by lawyer Nurul Najmi Adila Md Nasir from the National Legal Aid Foundation. – Bernama, November 29, 2023.