KUALA LUMPUR: A former imam of a surau in Ampang has been charged with sexually assaulting three underage girls, who are the daughters of his neighbours.

Wan Zakaria Wan Dollah, 72, pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him before Judge Syafeera Mohd Said at the Sessions Court here on Friday.

The father of five is alleged to have committed the offence on the three girls, two of whom are siblings, at his home in Ampang between 4pm and 5pm on Sept 8.

The charge under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 carries a maximum jail term of 20 years and whipping upon conviction.

The court allowed Wan Zakaria, who is also a former security guard, bail of RM10,000 with one surety and ordered him not to disturb the victims and witnesses.

He was asked to report to the nearest police station on the first week of every month until the case is resolved.

The case has been set for re-mention on Oct 31.

Earlier, Wan Zakaria, clad in a black jubah and kopiah, appeared calm on the witness stand.

While being escorted from the lockup to the courtroom, he did not hide his face and smiled to the photographers who were taking his pictures.

It is learnt that the three girls had gone to the accused's house to find a cat, which they believed had entered the house, before the physical sexual assault occurred.

One of the girls then told her aunt who lodged a police report. - Bernama