Wed Sep 18 02:42:00 UTC 2024: ## Religious Teacher Pleads Not Guilty to Molesting Trainee at Religious Centre

**PORT DICKSON:** A 43-year-old religious teacher, Mohd Hafidz Eshak, pleaded not guilty in the Port Dickson Magistrate’s Court today to a charge of using criminal force with the intention to molest a 19-year-old teacher undergoing practical training at a religious center.

The alleged incident occurred at the center, where Hafidz serves as chairman, on August 18th. The prosecution, represented by Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohamad Azriff Firdaus Mohamad Ali, requested a bail amount of RM50,000 citing the seriousness of the offense and the accused’s pending charge in the Seremban Sessions Court.

Defense counsel Datuk Hanif Hassan, arguing against the high bail amount, stressed the accused’s innocence until proven guilty and the fact that he is a local with no intention of fleeing. Hanif also pointed out the unrelated nature of the case to the recent “Ops Global” operation, which involved the rescue of over 400 children from suspected abuse.

The court eventually set bail at RM4,000, ordering the accused not to contact the victim or witnesses. The case management has been scheduled for October 17th.

Hafidz, who was dressed in a white robe and skullcap, faces a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, a fine, or whipping, if found guilty under Section 354 of the Penal Code.

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