Touching A 12-year-old Boy, Old Grandfather In Malaysia Sanctioned To Pay A Fine Of IDR 61 Million

Perpetrators of sexual harassment are still free to move in public spaces such as in restaurants or public transportation. (Unsplash-Matthew Henry)

JAKARTA - The Malaysian District Court has sentenced a 63-year-old grandfather who was found guilty of sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy.

In today's trial, the Panel of Judges chaired by Mohd Kafli Che Ali said the defendant named Ng Boo Cheng if he failed to pay the fine would be sentenced to seven months in prison.

Citing Bernama, this sexual harassment took place at a restaurant in the Setapak area, Malaysia on April 17, 2024 at 17.00.

Initially Cheng, who was at the restaurant, called the victim who was walking home. Cheng then asked about the condition of the boy, then hugged and touched the victim's genitals.

The victim then informed his father of the incident, which was immediately reported to the police on the same day of the incident.

The defendant's attorney hopes that the fines that must be paid by his client can be reduced. He reasoned that Cheng had health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart conditions that required continuous treatment at Serdang Hospital.

The defendant regretted and promised not to commit another violation. I request that the prison sentence be abolished and only a fine imposed. The defendant also promised not to disturb the victim or his family," said Cheng's attorney, S. Narasimhan.

However, the public prosecutor (JPU) did not budge. The prosecutor considers this case serious so that it becomes a lesson for similar actions, asking for the verdict of the panel of judges against the defendant Cheng plus a prison sentence and a whip.