KOTA KINABALU: A Pakistani shop owner was charged in the Sessions Court here with allegedly committing physical sexual harassment against a minor.
Usman Ali, 33, appeared before Sessions Court Judge Amir Shah Amir Hassan to face the charge.
No plea was recorded as the accused did not understand the Malay language and required a Pashton interpreter.
The court fixed April 20 for mention of the case pending the availability of the Pashton interpreter and ordered that the accused be further remanded pending disposal of the case.
Usman is accused of touching the breast of a nine-year-old girl at Kedai Runcit Wali in Kampung Warisan, Inanam, on Feb 5 this year, an offence under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 which carries up to 20 years’ imprisonment and whipping upon conviction, with Deputy Public Prosecutor Bryan Francis appearing for the prosecution while the accused was unrepresented.
