Judge Surita Budin made the ruling after finding that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against Farid Azhar Nawi, 47.

Delivering her decision at the close of the prosecution’s case, Surita said the ruling was made after hearing witness testimonies, examining submitted exhibits, and reviewing written submissions from both the prosecution and the defence.

“The court finds that the prosecution has successfully proven a prima facie case under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017,” Sinar Harian quoted her as saying.

“The accused is called to enter his defence and is given three options: to testify under oath from the witness stand, to give an unsworn statement, or to remain silent.”

Defence counsel Nor Azleen Khairina Aziz told the court Farid had chosen to testify under oath.

Farid is charged with committing physical sexual abuse by inappropriately touching the girl’s waist with sexual intent, during which he had held a position of trust as her teacher.

He is alleged to have committed the offence at about 5.30pm on Aug 4, 2022, at the surau of a secondary school in Senawang.

If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and whipping, or a minimum five years’ imprisonment and two strokes of the rotan.

The court fixed July 18 for re-mention of the case, and Aug 1 and 14 for continuation of the trial.