SHAH ALAM, Nov 8 — Former freelance television producer was charged at the Magistrate’s Court here today with molesting a woman at a surau in Jalan Rabung U8/36A, Seksyen U8 here, last month.

Mohammad Ferdaus Mashud, 39, however, pleaded not guilty and claimed trial after the charge was read to him by the court interpreter before Magistrate P. Sarulatha.

He is alleged to have outraged the modesty of the 44-year-old woman at the surau at 1.40pm on October 6.

The charge, under Section 354 of the Penal Code, carries a maximum jail term of 10 years with fine or whipping upon conviction. The court set December 12 for remention.

Meanwhile, at the Sessions Court, Mohammad Ferdaus also pleaded not guilty to two counts of robbing and attempting to rob two women at separate suraus here.

On the first count, he was alleged to have robbed a 35-year-old woman of her handbag using a machete at a surau in Seksyen 4 at 1.54pm on August 18.

The charge under Section 392 of the Penal Code provides imprisonment of up to 14 years with fine or whipping upon conviction. Dec 4 was set for remention.

On the second count, the man was charged with attempting to rob a 44-year-old woman at another surau in Jalan Rabung U8/36A, Seksyen U8 here at 1.40pm on October 6.

For this offence, he was charged under Section 394 of the Penal Code, which carries imprisonment of up to 20 years with whipping or fines.

The court allowed no bail and set December 12 for remention. — Bernama