Kuala Krai: A teenager pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here today to a charge of raping a 15-year-old female student at a secondary school in Kuala Krai in April last year. The 18-year-old was charged under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code, which carries a sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment and caning upon conviction.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, since the accused was a minor at the time of the alleged offence, sentencing provisions under Section 91 of the Child Act 2001 apply. Deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Faiz Fitri Mohamad proposed bail at RM15,000, while defence counsel Wan Norfarhan Liyana Wan Baharunddin requested a lower amount. She highlighted the financial constraints of the accused's parents, who work as daily-wage labourers.

The court was also informed by the defence that the accused, who recently graduated from Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia, is set to begin matriculation studies next month. In response, Judge Zulkifli Abllah set bail at RM5,000 with the condition that the accused does not interfere with prosecution witnesses. The case is scheduled for mention on June 26.