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AN 85-year-old man was fined RM4,000 by the Magistrates’ Court in George Town today after pleading guilty to using criminal force against a 16-year-old girl with intent to outrage her modesty at a flat in Air Itam last week.
Magistrate Nadratun Naim Mohd Saidi imposed the fine on Yong Lip Fook after he pleaded guilty to the charge, which was read to him in Mandarin.
The court also ordered Yong to serve eight months in jail if he failed to pay the fine.
According to the charge, Yong allegedly used criminal force against the teenager with the intention of outraging her modesty in a lift at a flat in Tingkat Paya Terubong, Air Itam, at about 4pm on Sept 17.
He was charged under Section 354 of the Penal Code.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Ahmad Danial Amir Saad had sought a deterrent sentence, while defence lawyer Sharmila Shanthini Mogan asked the court for leniency.
Sharmila told the court that Yong was suffering from heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. She also said he was unemployed and dependent on his children.
She added that Yong had cooperated by attending court and had promised not to repeat the offence.
Yong’s son subsequently paid the RM4,000 fine after the court imposed the sentence. - September 24, 2026
