Terengganu Educator Denies Seven Charges of Sexual Assault

A 42-year-old educator has entered a not guilty plea at the Setiu Sessions Court in Terengganu, facing seven serious sexual assault-related allegations concerning two teenage male students.

The accused, known as Darusalam Ab Rahman, made his plea after the charges were articulated by Judge Ahmad Fadhli Mahmud during court proceedings on Wednesday.

As per the charge sheet, the initial three charges relate to alleged communications via WhatsApp with a 17-year-old boy, purportedly aimed at committing or facilitating physical sexual assault. These acts are claimed to have occurred at a residence in Kampung Anak Ikan, Besut, on several dates in May—specifically, on the 5th, 8th, and 10th, between 9:21 PM and 2:10 AM.

These allegations fall under Section 12(1) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act (SOACA) 2017, alongside Section 16(1), which prescribes a penalty of up to five years in prison and whipping if convicted.

Additionally, the educator is charged with two counts of purportedly committing physical sexual assault against the same 17-year-old victim. Reported incidents occurred inside a vehicle outside an eatery in Kuala Terengganu and subsequently in front of a house in Kampung Anak Ikan on May 11, around 9 PM and 10 PM.

These offences are charged under Section 14(a) of SOACA 2017, along with Section 16(1), carrying a potential maximum sentence of up to 20 years’ incarceration and whipping.

Moreover, the individual faces two additional charges involving a 15-year-old male student. These alleged incidents reportedly took place in a school toilet in Besut on May 8 at approximately 4 PM, also under Section 14(a) of SOACA 2017.

During the court session, Judge Ahmad Fadhli Mahmud granted bail to the accused, set at RM22,000 with one surety. Other stipulations include monthly police reporting and a complete barring from contacting any witnesses for the prosecution.

Furthermore, the court ordered continued legal supervision of the accused, scheduling the next mention and document submission for July 6 at the Besut Sessions Court.

The prosecution was spearheaded by Deputy Public Prosecutor Muhammad Akmal Mohd Jazlee, while the defence counsel, who requested anonymity, represented the accused.

This case continues to unfold as legal proceedings progress under Malaysia’s laws concerning child sexual offences.