Myanmar hotel worker charged over alleged sexual assault of three-year-old Australian boy in Penang

A Myanmar man, Aung Phyo Win, has been charged with sexually assaulting a three-year-old Australian boy at a stall in Malaysia last week. The 30-year-old hotel worker appeared in court to face the allegations. According to prosecutors, Aung Phyo allegedly sexually assaulted the child by touching him inappropriately. The incident took place at Warung Penjaja, Lorong Baharu, around 9:10 pm on August 20.

The charge falls under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which could result in a maximum 20-year jail term and whipping if convicted. Deputy Public Prosecutor Anuarul Hakim Abdul Muen was representing the prosecution, while lawyer K. Mahendran was defending Aung Phyo. Judge Juraidah Abbas inquired if Aung Phyo fully understood Bahasa Melayu, to which the accused responded that he had been working in Malaysia for four years and was married.

Aung Phyo's lawyer requested bail, stating that two Malaysians were willing to stand as sureties and that his client would comply with any court-imposed conditions. However, the prosecution objected to granting bail due to the lack of confirmation on the authenticity of Aung Phyo's passport, which has been handed over to the police. The court denied bail and set Sept 28 for further proceedings.