BAHAU: A 36-year-old doctor has claimed trial at the Magistrate's Court here to a charge of molesting his employee.

Dr Mohamad Amin Razaly pleaded not guilty to using criminal force with the intention to outrage the modesty of the 25-year-old woman when the charge was read to him before Magistrate Norshazwani Ishak on Tuesday (March 12).

He was charged with committing the offence at his clinic at Bandar Baru Serting near here at around 10.30pm on Feb 19.

He was charged under Section 354 of the Penal Code which carries a jail term of up to 10 years or whipping or a fine, or any two of the penalties, upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Farahidah Zool Beri then asked the court to set bail at RM10,000 with one surety.

She said the accused or his family members should not contact or harass the victim.

Dr Mohamad Amin then told the court that he could not afford the bail amount.

"I have no income as I had to temporarily close the clinic since the case came up.

"I also have to provide for my two schoolgoing children and an infant and I have other commitments," he said, adding that he did not have any other source of income.

The accused also pledged to be present in court whenever required.

Magistrate Norshazwani then set bail at RM5,000 with one surety.

She also ordered him and his family members to stay away from the victim pending disposal of the case.

She fixed April 29 for next mention to allow the accused to appoint a lawyer.