Kuala lumpur: A Bangladeshi labourer pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here today to seven charges of physical sexual assault against seven schoolboys last month. Islam Mohammad Shoriful, 44, was accused of committing the offences against the boys, aged between 13 and 15, in the bathroom and washroom of a boys' hostel at a school near here between 6 pm and 6.30 pm on June 12.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the charges were framed under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017. This section carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and whipping upon conviction. Deputy public prosecutor Syaza Nur Sharif did not offer bail for the unrepresented accused. Judge Kamarul Aris Kamalluddin fixed August 28 for mention and denied the accused bail.