Kuala Lumpur: A 63-year-old man was fined RM7,000 by the Sessions Court, here, today, after pleading guilty to a charge of outraging the modesty of a 12-year-old boy. Judge Mohd Kafli Che Ali also ordered Ng Boo Cheng to serve seven months in prison if he fails to pay the fine.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the man was charged with molesting the boy, with intent to outrage the child's modesty, at a restaurant in Setapak, here, at 5 pm, on April 17, 2024. The charge was framed under Section 354 of the Penal Code, which provides for imprisonment for up to 10 years, or a fine, or whipping, or any two of the punishments, if found guilty.

Based on the facts of the case, while the boy was on his way home, the accused called the boy into his restaurant. The boy, who knew the accused, was asked how he was and was hugged, before the accused touched the victim's private parts. The victim then informed his father about the incident, leading to a police report being filed on the same day.

Lawyer S. Narasimhan, representing the accused, requested a reduced fine, highlighting his client's health issues, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and a heart condition requiring ongoing treatment at Serdang Hospital. The lawyer stated, 'The accused is remorseful and promises not to commit the offence again. I request that the prison sentence be waived and only a fine be imposed. The accused also pledges not to disturb the victim or his family.'

However, deputy public prosecutor Noor Shakira Aliana Alias argued for a prison sentence and whipping, emphasizing the seriousness of the offence. She stressed that such a sentence would serve as a lesson to both the accused and the wider community.