MIRI: A 36-year-old trader was charged today with raping his 27-year-old sister-in-law at a property in Bandar Baru Permyjaya last month.
The alleged incident took place between 2am and 3am on Dec 26, according to the Borneo Post.
The accused was charged under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and caning upon conviction.
No plea was recorded during the hearing at the magistrates' court.
Prosecuting officer Assistant Superintendent Mary Ong requested a new mention date to facilitate the case's transfer to the Sessions Court.
Magistrate Sandy Yvette Freddy, presiding via Zoom, approved the request and set Jan 8 for further mention.
The accused, who was unrepresented by legal counsel, was released on RM9,000 bail with two local sureties.
The court also imposed strict conditions, including a prohibition against interfering with the victim and her family and requiring the accused to report to the Bekenu police station monthly until the case is resolved.