{
  "id": 2975193,
  "title": "Tahfiz teacher claims trial to sexually assaulting pupils",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/tahfiz-teacher-claims-trial-to-sexually-assaulting-pupils-2975193",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-24T06:43:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/08/24/tahfiz-teacher-claims-trial-to-sexually-assaulting-pupils"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a Kuala Lumpur court, a 35-year-old tahfiz teacher has pleaded not guilty to four charges of physically assaulting two male pupils, reportedly aged 10 and 11, at a religious school. The alleged incidents took place in July and August 2026, according to prosecutors.\n\nIlyas Jamaludin is accused of violating Sections 14(a) and 14(b) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which carries a maximum 20-year imprisonment and caning. He also faces a charge under Section 15(f), which could result in up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to RM20,000.\n\nDeputy public prosecutor Nadiah Malek Fauzie denied bail, citing the severity of the alleged offenses and fears of Ilyas intimidating the victims if released. However, his lawyer, Zaharudeen Harun, requested bail of RM10,000, arguing that his client had been terminated from his job and needed financial support for his elderly parents.\n\nThe court granted bail of RM30,000 with one surety, requiring Ilyas to report to the nearest police station monthly and refrain from contacting or threatening any witnesses or victims until the trial concludes. His next court appearance is set for October 5.",
  "summary": "Ilyas Jamaludin is accused of committing the offences against the boys, aged 10 and 11, between July and August 2026.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}