KUALA LUMPUR – A former national wushu coach claimed trial at the Ampang Sessions Court today to two counts of physical sexual assault involving a teenage trainee under his supervision, allegedly committed in two separate incidents four years apart.
Chia Kian Keow, 49, was accused of assaulting the girl then aged 14 years and seven months at a wushu training centre in Batu Caves at about 5.30pm on 16 May 2021.
The second charge alleges a similar act committed when the victim was 15 years and three months old, sometime in March 2022, also at the same training facility.
Both charges were brought under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, read together with Section 16(1).
Section 14(a) carries a maximum jail term of 20 years and whipping, while Section 16(1) provides for up to five years’ imprisonment and at least two strokes of the cane. If convicted, the sentences may run consecutively at the court’s discretion.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Muhammad Hairuliqram Hairuddin argued that the seriousness of the offences, the age of the victim and the need to safeguard all parties justified a bail amount of RM30,000 with one surety for both charges.
He also requested strict conditions, including monthly reporting to the nearest police station, a prohibition on contacting the victim and witnesses, and the surrender of the accused’s passport until the trial concludes.
Defence counsel Sivahnanthan Ragava, representing Chia, urged the court to impose a lower bail of RM15,000, stressing that his client had cooperated fully with the police and had voluntarily presented himself in court. He highlighted that Chia suffers from hypertension and high cholesterol, conditions requiring regular medical care.
Sivahnanthan also informed the court that Chia is the primary caregiver to his elderly mother who is in frail health and depends on him for hospital visits and daily needs. He assured the judge that the accused has no intention of interfering with the investigation or approaching any witness.
“My client understands the gravity of the charges and undertakes to appear at every mention and hearing. He will comply with all court orders and will not harass or make contact with the victim or witnesses,” the lawyer said.
Judge Norshila Kamarudin fixed bail at RM15,000 with one surety for both charges and granted all additional conditions sought by the prosecution. She then set 24 December for case mention. -MalayaDailyToday
