MELAKA: Two Rohingya individuals claimed trial at separate courts in Ayer Keroh here to the rape and sexual assault of a schoolgirl.

Mohamad Osman Boshor, 27, and a 14-year-old boy entered pleas of not guilty after the charges were read before Sessions Court judge Mohd Sabri Ismail and Magistrate Sharda Shienha Mohd Suleiman respectively on Thursday (Sept 21).

Based on the statement of fact filed at the Sessions Court, Mohamad Osman allegedly raped the 15-year-old girl at about 5.30pm in a car at an open space around Klebang beach on Sept 14.

The charge was framed under Section 376(2) of the Penal Code for rape, which carries imprisonment of up to 30 years and whipping upon conviction.

The accused also faced a second charge of sexual assault against the victim under Section 377CA of the Penal Code which also provides for imprisonment up to 30 years and whipping if found guilty.

The offence was allegedly committed at the same place, time and location.

DPP Muhammad Nazrin Ali Rahim prosecuted, while the accused was represented by Omar Zulkarnain.

The court granted bail of RM20,000 and fixed Oct 31 for next mention.

At the Magistrate's Court, the teenage accused faced two charges of physical sexual assault and rape against the same victim, framed under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 and Section 376(2) of the Penal Code respectively.

The first charge carries a jail term of up to 20 years and whipping upon conviction.

The teenager allegedly committed both offences at the same place, time and location.

The accused was represented by Mohamed Musthafa.

The court granted bail of RM3,000 for both offences and fixed Oct 31 for next mention.

On Wednesday (Sept 20), it was reported that two Rohingya suspects had been arrested for allegedly raping a schoolgirl here.

Melaka police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Zainol Samah said the arrests were made following a police report lodged by the victim's brother at the Batang Tiga police station on Sept 15.