Motorcycle workshop mechanic Iqbal Kamal Jalil, 20, entered his plea after the charge was read to him before judge Khairi Haron, Harian Metro reported.

He was accused of raping the 15-year-old girl, an acquaintance of his, at a house in Tangkak at 4am on Oct 12.

The charge was under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code, which provides for up to 20 years’ imprisonment and whipping, if convicted.

The court set Nov 27 for a conduct report and sentencing, and set bail at RM10,000.

Iqbal was unable to pay the bail amount and was sent to the Muar correctional centre to be temporarily detained.

In the same court, an orchard worker was charged with committing three counts of sexual assault, rape and carnal intercourse against the order of nature against his niece when she was 16, two years ago.

The 27-year-old accused only pleaded guilty to the charge of sexual assault, and claimed trial on the other two charges.

He is accused of committing all the offences at a house in Tangkak at 6.30pm on July 25, 2023.

He was charged under Sections 376(1) and 377C of the Penal Code for rape and carnal intercourse against the order of nature, and Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 for sexual assault.

Each of the charges provides for up to 20 years’ imprisonment and whipping, upon conviction.

The court set bail at RM15,000 with one surety, which the accused paid, and set Oct 28 for the handover of documents and appointment of lawyers.

Deputy public prosecutor Nur Ameerah Allaudeen prosecuted, while the accused was unrepresented.