Court Tells Madrasah Warden To Apologise To His Students For Sexually Assaulting Them
He was also sentenced to seven years in prison and six strokes of the cane after pleading guilty.
By Sadho Ram - 10 Jan 2024, 02:40 AM
Cover image via Alias Abd Rani/New Straits TimesA madrasah warden in Muar, Johor, was sentenced to seven years in prison and six strokes of the cane after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting two students at the madrasah where he taught
Habib Yusri Yusof, 45, admitted to sexually abusing a 14-year-old Malaysian student and a 16-year-old Rohingya student under his care, reported Harian Metro. The assaults occurred within the madrasah and under the pretence of measuring clothes, betraying the trust expected in a place of learning and religious guidance.
Both offences, as per the charges, fall under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offenses against Children Act 2017 and carries punishment per Section 14, read together with Section 16 of the same act.
While Section 14 prescribes a punishment of imprisonment for up to 20 years along with whipping, Section 16 imposes an extra penalty, which includes imprisonment for up to five years and whipping.
Image via Alias Adb Rani/New Straits Times
The case came to light when an assistant to the headmaster of the madrasah filed a police report after being informed that two students had been sexually assaulted by the accused
According to the first charge, Habib sexually assaulted a 14-year-old Malaysian student at 12pm on 4 January this year. The second charge against the accused involves the physical sexual assault of a 16-year-old Rohingya student at 7.30am in November last year, reported the New Straits Times.
Habib had called both the victims into his room to help organise some items.
The judge also directed Habib to personally apologise to the victims
"If you have a chance, go see the victims involved and apologise," said Judge Abu Bakar during the sentencing, highlighting the importance of acknowledging the gravity of the offences committed against the victims.
Habib maintained a calm demeanour as the judge pronounced the verdict.
If you or someone you know may be at risk or has experienced sexual abuse or assault, please reach out to these Malaysian organisations:
1. WOMEN'S AID ORGANISATION (WAO)
Operating hours: 24-hour
Contact: +603-30008858
SMS/WhatsApp: +6018-9888058
Website | Facebook | Twitter
2. ALL WOMEN'S ACTION SOCIETY (AWAM)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9.30am – 5.30pm)
Contact: +603-78770224
WhatsApp/Telegram: +6016-2284221 | +6016-2374221
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
3. WOMEN'S CENTRE FOR CHANGE PENANG (WCC PENANG)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am – 5pm)
Contact: +604-2280342 | +604-3988340
WhatsApp: +6011-31084001 | +6016-4180342
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
4. SARAWAK WOMEN FOR WOMEN SOCIETY (SWWS)
Operating hours: Monday (7pm – 9pm),Tuesday to Thursday (9.30am – 11.30am), Saturday (2pm – 4pm)
Contact: +6082-368853
SMS/WhatsApp: +6016-5822660 | +6013-8044285
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
5. SABAH WOMEN'S ACTION-RESOURCE GROUP (SAWO)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am – 5pm)
Contact: +6088-280200 | +6011-27908020
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
6. PROTECT AND SAVE THE CHILDREN (PS THE CHILDREN)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (3pm – 12am)
WhatsApp: +6016-7213065
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
7. INTERNET WATCH FOUNDATION (IWF)
Anonymously and confidentially report child sexual abuse content and non-photographic child sexual abuse images with IWF's Reporting Portal.
