Sibu man accused of raping minor

SIBU: A 44-year-old man here has been accused of raping a minor girl.

The suspect was arrested on October 29 after a newborn baby was found abandoned along Jalan Tong Sang.

A 14-year-old girl, believed to be the boy’s mother, was also arrested.

The suspect was charged under Article 376(1) of the Criminal Code, which provides for a prison sentence of 10 to 30 years and lashing upon conviction.

No plea from the suspect was recorded before Magistrate Romario Jonoi on Friday (8 November) as the case will be transferred to the Sessions Court on November 18.

Romario released the suspect on bail of RM8,000 with two sureties.

He also ordered him to report to the investigating officer on the first of every month pending the disposal of the case.

According to the indictment, the suspect raped the girl between March and October.