Tumpat: A mechanic received a 20-year prison sentence and seven strokes of the rotan in the Sessions Court after admitting to raping and robbing a 15-year-old girl in Tumpat last month. Muhammad Faryzuan Aiman Mat Yatim, 23, pleaded guilty to the charges in front of Judge Zulkpli Abdullah.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Muhammad Faryzuan faced charges under Section 376(2)(a) of the Penal Code for rape, which could have led to a 30-year prison sentence and whipping. He was also charged under Section 392, read with Section 397, for robbing the victim's mobile phone while armed with a wooden stick, which could result in a 14-year sentence, a fine, or whipping.

The crimes occurred on June 17 at 7.40 am in a bushy area in Kampung Mesira, Palekbang. Deputy Public Prosecutor Siti Aisyha Na'ilah Harizan emphasized the public interest, the severe nature of the crime, and the trauma to the victim, urging for a sentence that matched the severity of the offences.

The victim sustained serious injuries, including facial fractures and lost teeth, from being beaten before the rape. The accused exploited her vulnerable state, later selling the stolen phone for RM35.

Muhammad Faryzuan, who had no legal representation, sought a lighter sentence, citing his responsibilities to his wife and young child. The court imposed a 15-year sentence with five strokes of the cane for the rape charge and a five-year sentence with two strokes of the cane for the robbery, to be served consecutively from his arrest on July 7.

Additionally, the court mandated rehabilitation counselling during the imprisonment and police supervision for three years following his release.