Teacher claims trial to touching student’s breasts

KOTA KINABALU (Oct 25): A private school teacher claimed trial at a Sessions Court here today to committing sexual physical assault against his student.

Rhurstern Chin, 36, who appeared before judge Hurman Hussain, was charged under Section 14 (a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.

The indictment provides for a jail term of up to 20 years and whipping, upon conviction.

Chin was accused of touching the breasts of the 10-year-old victim at a tuition centre in Luyang between 3pm and 6pm in August.

The court fixed November 28 to re-mention the case.

In the meantime, Chin was released on RM5,000 bail with two local sureties, pending disposal of the case.

He was also ordered to report twice a month at a nearest police station and to surrender his passport to court, if any.

Chin was represented by counsel Sylyester Kuan.

In another Sessions Court, a man was jailed for ten years and ordered to be given 10 strokes of the cane for having 33.33 grams of syabu.

Judge Marlina Ibrahim handed the sentence to Al Fidal Hassan, 26, after he pleaded guilty to a charge under Section 12(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, punishable under Section 39A(2) of the same Act.

Al Fidal admitted to possess the syabu at the roadside near a juncture to a fuel station in Inanam on September 5, 2022.

The court ordered Al Fidal to serve his jail sentence from date of his arrest on September 5, 2022.

In mitigation, Al Fidal, who was represented by counsel Lim Ming Zoong @ Lawrence, prayed for a lenient sentence, saying that Al Fidal has two children and regretted with what he had done.

In reply, the prosecution urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence against Al Fidal.