Pondok Headmaster 'Ustaz Abuya' Rearrested After Six More Sexual Assault Reports

KOTA BHARU, Sept 21 (Bernama) -- Police have rearrested the headmaster of a religious school, previously charged with multiple counts of sexually assaulting a male student, to assist in investigations into six additional reports of similar incidents.

Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat confirmed the 46-year-old suspect, known as Ustaz Abuya, was detained immediately after being released on RM18,000 bail by the Terengganu Court last Friday.

“To date, we have received six new reports involving the suspect and he is expected to face additional charges soon,” he told reporters after attending the Kelantan Police Contingent’s Monthly Assembly today.

He added that more victims are expected to come forward as investigations continue.

The suspect, Muhammad Aswadi Yah, was initially charged on Sept 11 at the Pasir Mas Sessions Court with seven counts of sexually assaulting a male student and possessing obscene images. He pleaded not guilty and was granted RM45,000 bail with one surety.

On Sept 19, he faced two more charges at a court in Terengganu, also involving the sexual assault of another male student, with bail set at RM18,000.

"Three victims have come forward so far and more reports may follow. We are awaiting further instructions from the Deputy Public Prosecutor on the next steps," Mohd Yusoff said.

Separately, the police chief proposed a review of cases involving consensual sex, where only the male is typically prosecuted.

“This issue will be addressed with relevant authorities, including the Kelantan Islamic Affairs Department and the State Education Department, to strengthen preventive measures,” he said.

He noted that over 90 per cent of reported sexual offenses in Kelantan involved consensual acts, yet only the male party is often charged, despite both acknowledging mutual consent during investigations.

“Why should only the male be prosecuted when both parties consented? We want the matter to be handled fairly, while also raising awareness among youths about the seriousness and consequences of such actions,” he said.

Sexual offence cases in the state have risen compared to last year, with most investigated under Section 376 of the Penal Code for rape or Section 14 of the Sexual Offenses Against Children Act, depending on the age of those involved.

-- BERNAMA