Nazarin Romeli, 51, made the plea before magistrate Tan Chew King after the charges were read out, Kosmo reported.

He was charged with using criminal force to outrage the modesty of a 26-year-old woman, first by touching her breasts with his arm and elbow, and then by knocking into her buttocks with his thigh at around 6.40pm on March 6.

Nazarin was further charged with knocking into a 28-year-old woman’s chest using his arm and elbow at around 6.40pm on the same day.

He also allegedly touched the chest area of a 22-year-old woman with his arm and elbow at the same bazaar at around 6.20pm on March 10.

All charges were framed under Section 354 of the Penal Code, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, a fine, whipping, or any combination of these punishments if convicted.

Deputy public prosecutor Adriana Azrin prosecuted the case, while the accused was represented by Nur Syazwani Rosselan, a lawyer from the National Legal Aid Foundation.

Adriana sought bail of RM7,000 for each charge on the condition that the accused does not contact the victims and witnesses until the case is resolved.

However, Syazwani requested a minimum bail, citing that Nazarin, who works in the village, earns only RM1,000 per month and supports his family.

Tan then set bail at RM14,000 for all charges with one surety for each charge.

The court fixed April 17 for case mention and for the accused to confirm legal representation.