David Lau, 25, pleaded not guilty after the charge under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code was read to him before judge Irwan Suainbon at the George Town sessions court today, Harian Metro reported.

Lau was accused of raping a 24-year-old woman in a hotel room in the Northeast District at around 12.15am on Oct 5.

Irwan set bail at RM7,000 with one surety and ordered Lau not to approach or contact the victim and to surrender his passport until the case is over.

He also fixed Nov 12 for case mention for the submission of documents.

Deputy public prosecutor Lee Jun Keong led the prosecution while Lau was represented by lawyers Teh See Khoon and K Sagana.

It is understood that the victim, who is from Kuala Lumpur, had travelled to Penang for a holiday.