Kota bharu: A headmaster, known locally as a 'mudir', of a 'pondok' school was charged in the Sessions Court with seven counts of physical sexual assault on a male student and possession of obscene images. Muhammad Aswadi Yah, aged 46, entered a plea of not guilty to all charges before Judge Zulkpli Abdullah.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the first to sixth charges involve allegations that Muhammad Aswadi physically sexually assaulted a 16-year-old student at a residence in Kampung Kubang Batang, Tumpat. These incidents reportedly took place between 7 and 7:30 am from June 2024 to August this year. The charges fall under Section 14(d) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and whipping upon conviction.

The seventh charge involves the possession of obscene images on his mobile phone, allegedly discovered on August 29 at approximately 4 pm at the same location. This charge is under Section 292 of the Penal Code, which stipulates a maximum sentence of three years in prison, a fine, or both, if convicted.

The court granted bail for Muhammad Aswadi set at RM45,000 with one surety for all charges. He has been instructed to report to a nearby police station once a month and is prohibited from intimidating any witnesses involved in the case. The prosecution was managed by Deputy Public Prosecutor Siti Aiysha Na'ilah Harizan, while defense counsel Mohd Irwan Sumadi represented Muhammad Aswadi. The court has scheduled November 11 for the next mention of the case.