TAWAU: A religious teacher, Muhammad Sabri Saidin, 30, claimed trial in the Sessions Court, here, on Wednesday to sexually grooming a 15-year-old boy through messages and WhatsApp texts containing sexual content last April.
The charge was read before Judge Ahmad Faizadh Yahaya, who also granted bail of RM8,000 with two local sureties.
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Additional conditions include monthly reporting to the nearest police station until the case concludes, a prohibition from approaching the victim or any witnesses, and a requirement to attend all court dates.
Mention for the case has been set for January 26, 2026.
Sabri is accused of using his mobile phone to send the messages to the teenager between 1.48pm and 2.10pm on April 4, at a village along Jalan Sin San.
The offence, under Section 15(e) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, carries a maximum jail term of 10 years, a fine of up to RM20,000, or both.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Muhammad Haikal Hazwan Md Yatin had sought RM10,000 bail, noting that the offence is generally non-bailable.
Sabri, who was unrepresented, requested a lower amount, stating he had lost his job and was supporting his wife on a previous salary of RM1,100.
In a separate case, a secondary school teacher, Mohamad Idzwan Shah Jaafar, was discharged not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) on two counts of physically sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl three years ago.
Judge Ahmad Faizadh ordered the discharge after being informed that the victim could not be located, vacating trial dates set for April 16 and 17 next year.
Idzwan had faced charges under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which carries up to 20 years’ jail and whipping.
The alleged offences occurred on August 24, 2022, and October 18, 2023.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Muhammad Haikal prosecuted, while Idzwan was represented by Herlina Musa.
