In KK, man charged with raping woman with Down syndrome

KOTA KINABALU (March 2): A 25-year-old man has pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here to a charge of raping a woman with Down syndrome.

The man, who appeared before Judge Hurman Hussain, was charged under Section 376 (2) (k) of the Penal Code, which concerns knowing the mental disability, emotional disorder, or physical handicap of the woman at the time of the rape.

If found guilty, the man is liable to a jail term of up to 30 years and caning.

He is alleged to have raped the victim at an unnumbered house in Ranau between 9am and 9.15am on Dec 19, 2023.

The victim was 21 years old at the time.

Hurman fixed April 27 for pre-trial case management.

He also denied bail for the accused and ordered for him to be further detained in custody under Section 259 of the Criminal Procedure Code, pending disposal of the case.

Deputy public prosecutor Fazriel Fardiansyah Abdul Kadir appeared for the prosecution while the man did not have legal representation.