Ampang: An elderly man pleaded not guilty in the Ampang Sessions Court here today to a charge of raping his girlfriend's daughter.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Azman Hasim, 61, is accused of raping the girl, who was 12 years and four months old at the time, at a house in Taman Seraya here, in the middle of last year. Azman, who operates a nasi lemak business, faces charges under Section 375 (g) of the Penal Code. This law stipulates a maximum jail sentence of 20 years and whipping upon conviction.

In the same court proceedings, the girl's biological mother, a 37-year-old security officer, also pleaded not guilty to a charge of abetting in the rape at the same location and date. Her charge falls under Section 109 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 376 (1), which provides a similar maximum prison sentence of 20 years and whipping if convicted.

The court did not grant bail, and Judge Norshila Kamarudin set August 7 as the date for mention for the submission of documents and appointment of counsel. Deputy public prosecutor Muhammad Hairuliqram Hairuddin represented the prosecution in this case.