Malaysian Muhammad Zuladha Ferhad Zuraini, 23, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl, which led to her giving birth last June.
The plea was made in front of Judge Abu Bakar Manat at the Muar Sessions Court on Wednesday (July 31).
Sexual assault happened between August and November 2022
Zuladha admitted to raping the minor at his home between August and November 2022.
The incident came to light when the girl fainted at an exhibition in December 2022 and was found to be 14 weeks pregnant during a hospital visit.
Her family filed a police report on December 17, 2022, leading to Zuladha’s arrest three days later.
After the birth of the child on June 12, 2023, the baby was given to another person.
Accused asked his family to help raise the bail amount
Zuladha, who was unrepresented, was charged under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code for rape, which could result in up to 20 years in prison and caning.
Bail was set at RM8,000 with one surety, and the case was adjourned to August 18 for the presentation of case facts and sentencing.
Upon hearing the bail amount, Zuladha could be heard saying, “Please, ask anyone for help” to his family members in hopes that they could raise funds for his bail, reported NST.
The court also ordered Zuladha to report to the Muar district police headquarters monthly and prohibited him from contacting the victim and her family.
