Car washer jailed, caned for molesting underage girl

KUALA LUMPUR: An Indian national who worked at a car wash was sentenced to two years’ jail and two strokes of the cane by the Ampang magistrate’s court here for using criminal force on a young girl with intent to outrage her modesty.

Magistrate Mohamad Firdaus Sadina Ali handed down the sentence on S. Panneerselvam, 36, after finding him guilty of the charge.

Panneerselvam was charged with committing the offence on the girl, aged 12 years and five months, by the road side at Taman Ukay Perdana here at 9.20pm on Aug 16 last year.

The charge, under Section 354 of the Penal Code, provides imprisonment for up to 10 years, with a fine or whipping, or any two of the punishments, upon conviction.

However, the court allowed a stay of the sentence following an application.