20-year-old youth faces rape charge

SIBU: A 20-year-old resident of Nanga Tada, Kanowit, appeared in the Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jan 11) to answer a charge of raping a teenage girl.

However, no plea was entered after the nature of the charge was explained to him through an interpreter.

Magistrate Flavian Edward Henry granted the accused release on RM8,000 cash bail with two local sureties.

The next hearing is scheduled for further mention at the Sessions Court on Jan 23.

The charge sheet specifies that the accused allegedly raped a 16-year-old victim at a premises on Jalan Laichee around 11pm on April 10.

If convicted under Section 376(2)(d) of the Penal Code, the accused faces a jail term of not less than 10 years and not more than 30 years, along with possible whipping.

The case was handled by prosecuting officer Norfadillah while the accused appeared without legal representation.

Due to failure in furnishing the bail, the accused was subsequently ordered to be remanded.