Muhammad Aswadi Yah, 46, pleaded not guilty to the charges before judge Zulkipli Abdullah.

He was charged with six counts of sexually assaulting the 16-year-old student at a house in Kampung Kubang Batang, Tumpat, between 7am and 7.30am from June 2024 to August this year.

The charges were framed under Section 14(d) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which provides for imprisonment of up to 20 years and whipping, upon conviction.

On the seventh count, Aswadi was charged with possessing obscene images on his mobile phone at the same location, at about 4pm on Aug 29.

The offence, under Section 292 of the Penal Code, is punishable by a maximum prison sentence of three years, a fine or both.

The court allowed Aswadi bail of RM45,000 with one surety. He was also ordered to report to a nearby police station once a month and not to intimidate witnesses in the case.

The prosecution was conducted by deputy public prosecutor Siti Aiysha Na’ilah Harizan while Aswadi was represented by lawyer Irwan Sumadi.

The court set Nov 11 for mention.