The 43-year-old entered his plea after the charges were read to him before judge Zamir Suhaimee, Utusan Malaysia reported.

He was charged with four counts of sexually assaulting the child under Section 14(b) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and whipping, upon conviction.

He was also charged with committing non-physical sexual assault by engaging in sexual acts in front of the girl. The offence, under Section 15(c) of the same Act, carries a sentence of up to 10 years in jail and a maximum RM20,000 fine.

Two charges relate to the production of child sexual abuse material in the form of videos involving the victim. The charges, under Section 5 of the Act, are punishable by a maximum 30 years’ jail and up to six strokes of the cane.

The man was also charged with two counts of committing carnal intercourse against the order of nature with the girl.

The charges were framed under Section 377C of the Penal Code and are punishable by up to 30 years’ imprisonment and whipping..

In addition, he was charged under Section 376(3) of the Penal Code with raping the victim, and faces another eight to 30 years in prison and a minimum 10 strokes of the cane.

All the offences were alleged to have taken place at a squatter house near Kampung Kempas Baru, Johor Bahru, between Jan 22 and Feb 17.

Deputy public prosecutors Nur Farah Wahida Shahudin and S Manushri prosecuted.

The court denied the accused bail and fixed March 4 for sentencing.

In separate proceedings, the man’s girlfriend, 46, was charged with exposing the child in a manner likely to have caused her harm.

She claimed trial before judge Ahmad Kamal Arifin Ismail.

The charge under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act is punishable by a maximum RM20,000 fine, up to 10 years in prison, or both, if convicted.

The accused was allowed  bail of RM8,000. The judge fixed April 24 for the appointment of counsel and document submission.