Berita Harian reported that Jaafar Attan was charged in the Muar sessions court before judge Sayani Nor under Sections 14(a) and 14(b) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.

Under the first three charges, Jaafar, who is unemployed, was accused of sexually assaulting the nine-year-old at a house in Muar, Johor at 5.30pm on June 8.

Under the fourth charge, he was accused of doing the same to the girl’s younger sister at the same place and time.

The charges provide for up to 20 years’ imprisonment and whipping upon conviction.

The court set bail at RM16,000 for all four charges.

However, Jaafar was unable to pay and was taken to the Muar correctional centre for temporary detention.

The court set July 21 for re-mention of the case, handover of documents and appointment of lawyers.