Ex-navy man claims trial to sexually abusing son, daughter

A 40-year-old former navy man appeared in court today, charged with eight counts of sexual abuse and assault involving his two children and his wife. The man, who is currently unemployed, claimed trial after listening to the charges read to him at Melaka Hospital's ward, where he is being treated for shortness of breath. The courtroom proceedings took place in the same ward due to his medical condition.

Three of the charges involve the accused sexually assaulting his eight-year-old son and four-year-old daughter at a residence in Sungai Udang on May 23 and June 3. These offenses, under Section 14(a) and 14(b) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act, carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and whipping upon conviction.

Two additional charges involve non-physical sexual assault of the daughter, committed by making a lewd gesture or uttering an obscene word at the same location on June 3, under Section 15(a)(i) of the same Act, which can result in up to 10 years in prison, a RM20,000 fine, or both upon conviction.

He was also charged with causing hurt to his 35-year-old wife and his two children by slapping and beating them on August 11, charges under Section 323 of the Penal Code with Section 326A for assaulting a spouse, carrying up to two years in prison, a RM2,000 fine, or both upon conviction. The accused was granted bail for all charges, with a RM10,000 bond for the sexual abuse charges and a RM5,000 bond for the assault charges. A date has been set for September 21 to appoint counsel and mention the case.