KOTA KINABALU (MALAYSIA)
New Straits Times [Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia]
August 14, 2026
By Ersie Anjumin
An 81-year-old temple priest was sentenced to four years in jail by the Magistrate’s Court here after being found guilty of molesting a 31-year-old woman two years ago.
Magistrate Wan Farrah Farriza Wan Ghazali imposed the sentence on Lim Ah Kau @ Lim Ho Cheng after finding him guilty following a full trial.
Lim was found guilty of using criminal force against the woman with intent to outrage her modesty at a temple here on Feb 29, 2024, about 10am.
He was charged under Section 354 of the Penal Code, which provides for a jail term of up to 10 years, or a fine, or whipping, or any two of the punishments, upon conviction.
During the trial, the prosecution called six witnesses, while the defence called two.
The court ordered Lim to serve his sentence from the date of his conviction on Wednesday (Aug 12).
However, the court granted a stay of execution pending his appeal to the High Court.
His bail was also increased from RM2,000 to RM7,000, while the other bail conditions remained unchanged.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Arfa Anchal Khan Muhammad Munir Khan, in seeking a deterrent sentence, stressed the seriousness of the offence, particularly as Lim was a temple priest and a figure of trust and respect.
“The complainant came to him seeking spiritual treatment, yet he abused that very trust to commit a sexual offence.
“A person entrusted with spiritual guidance should provide protection and dignity, not exploit the vulnerable trust placed in him. This abuse of religious trust warrants a deterrent custodial sentence,” she said.
Lim, through his lawyers, pleaded for a lenient sentence during mitigation.