MUAR (Bernama): An ethnic Rohingya man, also known as ‘Long Tiger’, pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court here on Sunday (Aug 8) to a charge of raping a local woman two years ago.

       Abdul Hamim Ab Hamid, 32, entered the plea after the charge was read out to him before Judge Amran Jantan.

       Abdul Hamim was charged with raping the 19-year-old woman in a house in Taman Sri Jaya, Bukit Gambir, Tangkak between 1pm and 2.05pm on Sept 26, 2019.

       The charge framed under Section 376 (1) of the Penal Code provides imprisonment for up to 20 years and whipping, if convicted.

       Amran allowed the accused bail of RM10,000 with two sureties with additional conditions that he must report to the nearest police station every month, surrender his passport to the court and refrain from witness intimidation.

       The court also fixed Sept 8 for re-mention of the case.

       Deputy public prosecutors Ummi Amyra Natasha Azhar and Muhammad Azfar Mahmod conducted the prosecution, while Abdul Hamim was represented by counsels Datuk Shaharudin Ali, Muhammad Hariz Md Yusof and Muhammad Noor Azfar Noor Azmi.

       Earlier, Abdul Hamim claimed trial to criminal intimidation and wrongful confinement of a former worker at the Tangkak Magistrate's Court.

       Long Tiger had been the talk among netizens for being vocal and raising controversies including making defamatory statements against police officers through social media live streaming platforms. - Bernama