Religious teacher charged with sexual assault of student

Haslina Abu Bakar, a 48-year-old religious teacher, has been charged with three counts of physical sexual assault against a 16-year-old male student at a national secondary school. The charges, which occurred in November 2024, allege that Haslina kissed the boy on the mouth for sexual purposes, hugged the victim, and had him touch her chest.

If convicted, she faces a maximum jail term of 20 years and caning under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017. Haslina pleaded not guilty to the charges, which were brought under Sections 14(a) and 14(b) of the Act. The court denied bail due to the non-bailable nature of the offences and their serious nature.