A 68-year-old retired military officer holding a Datuk title was charged in the Ayer Keroh Magistrates’ Court on September 4 with using criminal force to outrage the modesty of a 20-year-old female caddie, according to reports from Malay Mail and Sin Chew Daily. The accused, Yahya Hashim, entered a plea of not guilty before Magistrate Uthman Abd Ghani.
Golf Course Incident Details and Legal Charges
According to China Press, the victim was working as a caddie assigned to service Yahya and another unidentified person during the round when she was allegedly harassed repeatedly through both words and actions. Yahya faces prosecution under Section 354 of Malaysia’s Penal Code for using criminal force with intent to outrage modesty. Conviction carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine, caning, or any combination of two punishments, according to Sin Chew Daily.
Bail Conditions and Court Proceedings
Deputy Public Prosecutor Syauqi Mardia Baharudin requested bail set at RM5,000, accompanied by a strict condition that the accused must not disturb or harass the victim, noting that the incident occurred directly at her workplace, as reported by Harian Metro. Defense lawyer Melvin Tay asked the court for a reduced bail amount, stating that his client is retired, lives with his wife, and lacks a fixed income. Tay also informed the court that Yahya suffers from a prostate-related health condition requiring ongoing medical treatment. Magistrate Uthman Abd Ghani ultimately granted bail at RM2,500 with one surety, while upholding the prosecution’s condition barring Yahya from contacting the victim until the legal proceedings conclude. The court scheduled the next case mention for September 28.
Did You Know?
Under Section 354 of Malaysia’s Penal Code, offenses involving the use of criminal force with intent to outrage the modesty of any person carry severe penalties, including up to a decade behind bars, financial penalties, or corporal punishment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What court is handling the case against Yahya Hashim?
The case is being handled by the Ayer Keroh Magistrates’ Court in Melaka, presided over by Magistrate Uthman Abd Ghani, according to Malay Mail.
What are the specific bail terms ordered by the magistrate?
Yahya was released on RM2,500 bail with one surety and is legally prohibited from harassing or disturbing the victim until the conclusion of the case, as reported by Harian Metro.
When is the next scheduled court date?
The court fixed September 28 for the next mention of the case, according to Malay Mail.
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