IPOH: A 21-year-old man has claimed trial to a charge of raping a teenager at the Ipoh Sessions Court.

Fazaikal Hakimi Mustafa pleaded not guilty after the charge was read to him before Judge Ainul Shahrin Mohamad at the court here Tuesday (Aug 8).

According to the charge sheet, Fazaikal Hakimi was said to have committed the offence against a 13-year-old girl at a house in Taman Impiana Adril in Menglembu between 12.01am and 4am in July.

He was charged under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code and faces up to 20 years imprisonment and whipping, if convicted.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Evangelin Simon Silvaraj requested for no bail to be set due to the seriousness of the case.

Lawyer Mohamad Salihen Mastor, who represented the accused, requested a lower bail as his client is unemployed.

“He is currently staying with his mother and two other siblings. Although he is not working, Faizaikal is helping his mother take care of his elderly grandfather.

“His mother is working as a teacher at a religious centre and she has offered to ensure her son's attendance throughout the trial,” he added.

Ainul Shahrin set bail at RM4,000 with one surety. She also fixed Sept 7 for the case mention.