Faiz Zaini, a widower, claimed trial after the charges were read before Ipoh sessions court judge Jean Sharmila Jesudason, Berita Harian reported.

Faiz was accused of touching the teen’s genitals, kissing his cheek, and groping him for sexual purposes. He was also accused of groping the victim’s chest.

He was charged with committing the acts on Jan 20 and 21 at a house in Hala Rapat Baru, Taman Seri Rapat in Ipoh.

The charges were framed under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which provides for up to 20 years in prison and a whipping, upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Qurratu’aini Khalifah prosecuted while the accused was not represented.

Qurratu’aini proposed bail of RM20,000 but Faiz appealed for a lower amount, saying he only earned RM700 a month as a badminton coach and received RM450 in welfare aid.

He said he received welfare aid as he was a disabled cardholder due to mental disabilities. He added that he had been admitted to Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta for treatment three times.

Faiz also said he had to look after his parents and two children, aged two and one.

The judge ordered for Faiz to be sent for a mental health assessment at the hospital before deciding on the bail amount. She fixed March 12 for mention.