What specific acts constitute physical sexual assault under SOACA?

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Specific physical sexual assault acts are not detailed within the provided account of the charges.

The allegations against the teacher involve communicating with a minor via WhatsApp with the intent to commit or facilitate physical sexual assault, and committing physical sexual assault against two male students. These alleged acts are framed under specific sections of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act (SOACA) 2017, namely Section 12(1) and Section 14(a). However, the specific nature of the physical acts constituting the assault itself is not elaborated upon in the report.
Charges Under Section 12(1) of SOACA 2017

The teacher faces three charges under Section 12(1) of SOACA 2017, read with Section 16(1) of the same Act. These charges pertain to communicating with a 17-year-old male via WhatsApp with the alleged intent to commit or facilitate physical sexual assault. The communication occurred at a house in Kampung Anak Ikan, Besut, on multiple occasions between May 5 and May 10, with specific times ranging from 9:21 pm to 2:10 am. This section of the Act, as applied here, focuses on the intent and the means of communication used to facilitate sexual offences against children.
Charges Under Section 14(a) of SOACA 2017

Further charges are brought under Section 14(a) of SOACA 2017, read with Section 16(1). These charges allege the commission of physical sexual assault against the same 17-year-old student in two separate instances on May 11. One alleged incident occurred inside a car in front of an eatery in Kuala Terengganu around 9 pm, and the other in front of a house in Kampung Anak Ikan around 10 pm. Additionally, two charges under the same section involve a 15-year-old male student, alleging physical sexual assault within a secondary school toilet in Besut on May 8 at approximately 4 pm.
Penalties Associated with SOACA Sections

The legal framework cited for these charges carries significant penalties. For the offences under Section 12(1) of SOACA 2017, the prescribed punishment is a prison sentence not exceeding five years and potential whipping. In contrast, the charges under Section 14(a) of SOACA 2017 carry a more severe penalty, involving a prison sentence not exceeding 20 years and liability to whipping. These distinctions in sentencing highlight the differing gravity attributed to the communication-facilitating acts versus the direct commission of physical sexual assault.

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What specific acts constitute physical sexual assault under SOACA?

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