TUMPAT: A religious school principal known as “Abuya” was fined RM1,950 by the Syariah Court here today for two offences — teaching without proper accreditation and managing religious teachers without authorisation.
Muhammad Aswadi Yah pleaded guilty to both charges before Syarie judge Dr Wan Azimin Wan Adnan.
The 46-year-old committed the offences at Madrasah Ahbabul Mustafa Al-Islamiah in Tumpat last month.
He was charged under Sections 117 and 118 of the Kelantan Islamic and Malay Customs Council (MAIK) Enactment, which regulate accreditation requirements and restrictions on managing religious educators.
Prosecutor Mohd Shafeq Mat Yusuf appeared for the prosecution, while the accused was unrepresented.
The court imposed a RM1,950 fine, which he subsequently paid.
‘Abuya’ faced an initial seven counts of sexual assault involving two boys and possession of obscene images in September.
He was subsequently charged with an additional two counts in Terengganu, and a further six counts in Kelantan, bringing the total to more than a dozen charges related to the sexual assault of male students, all under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Separately, the Kelantan Islamic Religious Affairs Department also issued summonses to “Abuya” for operating the Madrasah Ahbabul Mustafa Al-Islamiah in Tumpat without official registration.
The madrasah was ordered to temporarily close until it complies with registration requirements.
‘Abuya’ has been released on bail for the criminal cases and is awaiting trial.
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