Muhammad Jaya Murugan Abdullah, 47, who is also a trader, pleaded not guilty before judge Zulkifli Abdullah at the Kota Bharu sessions court today, Berita Harian reported.

He is accused of committing the offence at around 2pm on May 29.

The charge, framed under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code, carries a jail term of up to 20 years and whipping upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Kamarul Hasyime Rosli proposed bail at RM30,000 with conditions, including an order prohibiting contact with the victim.

However, the accused’s lawyer, Ariff Azami Hussein, asked for bail to be reduced to RM15,000, saying his client is a community leader and the guardian to 12 children, including stepchildren.

The court set bail at RM15,000 with two sureties and ordered the accused to report to the nearest police station once every two months.

The court fixed July 15 for case mention.