Jaafar Taib, 70, pleaded not guilty before judge Haderiah Siri, Utusan Malaysia reported.

He was charged with committing the offence at a house in Klebang, Melaka Tengah, at around 2pm in early February 2023.

The charge was made under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 for sexual assault, which provides for up to 20 years’ imprisonment and whipping upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Nazrin Ali Rahim did not propose bail, but suggested RM20,000 and other additional conditions should the court exercise its discretion to offer any.

Lawyer Kent Tan, representing the accused, pleaded for a lower amount, saying his client had heart disease, diabetes, and needed to support five children.

The judge set bail at RM10,000 with one surety, as well as the additional conditions that the accused surrender his passport to the court, report once a month to a police station, and refrain from disturbing the victim and witnesses.

The court set July 16 for re-mention of the case and the handover of documents.