Student charged with attempted rape of minor

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KUCHING: A youth from Johor was charged in the magistrates’ court yesterday with attempting to rape a 14-year-old girl.The 20-year-old student of a local institution of higher learning pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The offence comes under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code which provides for up to 20 years’ imprisonment and whipping.

He allegedly committed the offence between 9.30pm and 10.30pm on Oct 18 last year in a house at Taman Orchid Wood near Matang.

Based on police interrogation, the suspect and the secondary school student claimed to be lovers.

Magistrate Shahrizat Ismail advised the accused to engage a defence counsel as he was not represented. The trial was then adjourned and   transferred to Session Court 2 pending hearing on Sept 13,14,15 and 17 this year.

Shahrizat ordered Muhazam to be released on RM5,000 bail with two local sureties.

ACP Clermund Sim prosecuted.