Council Member Pleads Not Guilty to Rape Charge in Malaysia

Kota Bharu, Malaysia - June 15, 2025 - A local government council member was charged with the rape of a 29-year-old woman. Mohamad Jaya Murugan Abdullah, 47, pleaded not guilty at the Kota Bharu Sessions Court. The alleged incident took place at a laundromat in Kuala Krai on May 29. Deputy Public Prosecutor Kamarul Hashimi Rosli proposed a RM30,000 bail, while defense lawyer Arif Azmi Hussein argued for RM15,000, citing the accused's large family and community responsibilities. Judge Zul Kifli Abdullah set bail at RM15,000 with two sureties and scheduled the next hearing for July 15. The case highlights concerns about violence against women and the justice system's response.