Judge Sayani Nor said the defence had failed to raise reasonable doubt in the case against Asran Tahir, 42, a father of two, Harian Metro reported.

Sayani said the prison sentence would be effective from the date of his arrest on Sept 25, 2023 and also ordered Asran to undergo police monitoring for a year after serving his sentence.

Asran’s wife was taking care of the girl while her parents were outstation for work.

He was accused of committing the offence at a house in Simpang Renggam, Kluang, Johor, between 11am and 6.45pm on Sept 19, 2023.

The charge was framed under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which provides for up to 20 years’ imprisonment and whipping if convicted.

The prosecution was led by deputy public prosecutor Diyana Najihah Fauzi, while Asran was represented by lawyer Syafie Naim from the National Legal Aid Foundation.