The man, a mechanic, and his wife, a homemaker, both aged 37, claimed trial after the charge was read before judge Sharifah Norazlita Syed Salim Idid.

The husband and wife, as individuals having custody of the child, were accused of committing the offence against the girl at a house in Taman Desa Saujana, Arau, at around 12.15pm on June 18.

They were charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code, which is punishable by a maximum jail term of 20 years, a fine of up to RM50,000, or both, upon conviction.

The court allowed their release on bail of RM20,000 each with the additional conditions that they report to the nearest police station every month and are prohibited from approaching or disturbing the victim until the case concludes.

The court fixed July 17 for mention.

Deputy public prosecutor Nabilah Ahmad Poad prosecuted while the couple was represented by lawyer S Devendran.