JOHOR BARU: A 59-year-old caretaker of a private charity home in Kulai was charged at the Sessions Court here today with two counts of raping a minor and abusing another.
The accused pleaded not guilty to committing both offences when the charges were read to him in court and was granted RM10,000 bail with two sureties.
Johor police chief Datuk M. Kumar, in a statement, said the accused was charged under Section 376 of the Penal Code and Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 for child abuse after a report was lodged on Dec 8, alleging that he had caned a girl.
The court also imposed three additional conditions for the bail in which the accused or his representative must not interfere with the complainant or the victim until the conclusion of the trial, the accused is required to report regularly to the nearest police station and that he must surrender his international passport to the court.
Kumar added that the case has been fixed for mention on Jan 28 next year.
Kumar said police, in collaboration with the Welfare Department had taken steps to ensure the safety of other children in the home.
He urged the public not to speculate and spread unverified details, that may interfere with the ongoing legal process.
He also reminded parents and guardians to take necessary precautions to ensure their children's safety and well-being.