MIRI: A 36-year-old businessman from Bekenu was charged in the Magistrates’ Court here today (Jan 6) with raping his 27-year-old sister-in-law.
The accused faces one count under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment and whipping upon conviction.
The offence occurred between 2 am and 3 am on December 26 at a property on Jalan Tasik, Vista Perdana, Bandar Baru Permyjaya.
No plea was recorded.
Prosecuting officer ASP Mary Ong applied for the case to be transferred to the Sessions Court for further proceedings.
Magistrate Sandy Yvette Freddy, presiding remotely via a virtual session, granted the application and fixed January 8 for the next mention.
The accused, who was unrepresented, was granted bail of RM9,000 with two local sureties.
As part of the bail conditions, the court ordered the accused to have no contact with the victim or her family and to report to the Bekenu Police Station monthly until the case is resolved.
