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A FORM Five student residing at an unlicensed welfare home in Batu Caves appeared before the Selayang Magistrate’s Court today to face four charges involving the sexual assault of a younger resident.
The youth, whose identity remains protected by law, pleaded not guilty to one count of carnal intercourse against the order of nature and three additional counts of physical and non-physical sexual abuse.
The proceedings were conducted behind closed doors before Magistrate Mahmoodah VM Abdul Latif, as the accused is a minor.
The charges relate to a series of alleged incidents occurring on the evening of March 27 at the facility.
Under the Penal Code and the Sexual Offences Against Children Act, the offences carry severe penalties including substantial custodial sentences and whipping, though any eventual sentencing would be governed by the Child Act.
News Straits Times reported today that the teenager arrived at court under heavy police escort, his face obscured by a towel to maintain his anonymity.
Following his plea, the court granted bail in the sum of RM6,500 with one surety and scheduled the matter for mention on June 24.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Hafiz Aiman Badrisham led the prosecution, while the juvenile was represented by defence counsel Azman Abdullah.
This latest appearance follows the harrowing revelation that at least twelve out of thirty-six residents at the home may have been subjected to abuse over a decade.
Medical evaluations have reportedly confirmed both recent and historic injuries consistent with sexual trauma among several male children at the home.
The case has already seen significant legal movement regarding the home’s administration.
Yesterday, twenty-five-year-old caretaker Retna Velu pleaded guilty to fifteen charges involving five boys, including victims as young as eight.
Meanwhile, the home’s operator, S. Valan, has denied four charges of sexual abuse involving teenagers and remains on bail under strict conditions, including the surrender of his passport.
Lawyer Kirthen Subramaniam, who held a watching brief for the victim’s family and Pertubuhan Kebangkitan Tiga Tangan Selangor, noted that the organisation played a pivotal role in exposing the long-standing allegations.
The court heard that more former residents have begun to come forward with similar allegations as the investigation into the facility continues to widen. - April 10, 2026
