Shah alam: A private college employee was charged at the Sessions Court here today with two counts of sexual assault and one count of committing carnal intercourse against the order of nature involving two teenage boys last month. Fikri Zainal Abidin, 38, entered the plea after the charges were read out before Judge Awang Kerisnada Awang Mahmud.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fikri was charged with committing the offences against two 14-year-old boys on June 20, 23, and 29 at the college hostel and a house in Section 18 here. The sexual assault charges fall under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which stipulates a maximum imprisonment term of 20 years and whipping upon conviction.

On the third count, Fikri was charged with committing carnal intercourse against the order of nature under Section 377C of the Penal Code. This charge carries a prison term of between five and 20 years and whipping if convicted. Deputy Public Prosecutors Roshaira Rosly and K.S. Rinisha Priyya did not offer bail during the proceedings.

The accused, who was unrepresented in court, requested bail, citing the need to care for his parents. However, Judge Awang Kerisnada denied the bail application and set August 11 for mention. Previously, media reports indicated that the college staff member was apprehended at a restaurant in Shah Alam on July 4 in connection with the allegations involving the two male students.