Welfare home caretaker charged with sexual abuse

KUALA LUMPUR: A welfare home caretaker claimed trial at the Ampang sessions and magistrate's courts to nine charges of sexual abuse.
At the sessions court, Zahari Alwi, 56, was charged with two counts of rape involving an 11-year-old victim in 2016 and 2017. He was charged under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code read together with the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.
Zahari is liable to face a maximum 20-year jail term and whipping upon conviction.
Before magistrate Muhammad Firdaus Sadina Ali, he was charged with three counts of molestation and possession of pornographic material.
He claimed trial to molesting two victims aged 10 and 11 in December 2015.
The charges under Section 354 of the Penal Code provides for a maximum 10-year jail term, fine or whipping upon conviction.
Zahari was also charged with possession of pornographic material, an offence under Section 5(1) of the Film Censorship Act 2002.
In front of magistrate Haslinda A Raof, Zahari was accused of intending to insult the modesty of a person by opening the door of a bathroom while the victim was showering at a house in Taman Seri Keramat in December 2015.
He was charged under Section 509 of the Penal Code which carries a maximum 5-year jail term or a fine or both upon conviction.
Zahari was also charged with possession of pornographic material and a vibrator.
The two charges under Section 292(a) of the Penal Code carries a three-year jail term, or fine, or both upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutors Nadiah Malek Fauzie, Norhashimah Hashim and Raihanah Abd. Razak appeared for the prosecution, while Zahari was represented by lawyer Ilynadiah Mohd. Yusof.
No bail was granted for Zahari who is currently in jail, after being found guilty for charges under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.
The cases against him will be mentioned again on Mar 21.
On Jan 29, Zahari's wife Khairulbariah Mian, 30, pleaded not guilty to three charges of conspiring with her husband to molest two children three years ago.