
Malaysian pop star Naim Daniel ‘committed to clear name' after sexual assault charge
Naim Daniel, who shot to fame with his 2022 hit single Sumpah (Swear) – which has reached 42 million views on YouTube – is accused of sexually assaulting the 17-year-old victim on May 19 at a hotel in Petaling Jaya district, just outside the capital city of Kuala Lumpur.
The 28-year-old's charge comes after weeks of speculation over his involvement in the alleged crime, following revelations by the police on June 4 that a celebrity had been arrested in connection with the case.
Malaysian law recognises individuals aged 18 as adults, while 16 is the age of consent.
Naim, whose full name is Muhammad Naim Daniel Baharin, pleaded not guilty. He was released on 12,000 ringgit (US$2,800) bail and instructed to hand over his passport to the court.
Naim Daniel shot to fame with his 2022 hit single Sumpah. Instagram/@naimdanielx
'I am committed to giving my full cooperation to clear my name,' Naim told reporters outside the court after the hearing.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


South China Morning Post
28 minutes ago
- South China Morning Post
Malaysia prosecutes ‘several suspects' over Zara's death, to file bullying charges
Malaysia 's top prosecutor on Monday said bullying charges would be brought against several people following the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir, whose case was closed and then reopened by police. Advertisement Her death on July 17, a day after she was found on the ground outside her dormitory at an Islamic school in Sabah's Papar district, has sparked nationwide protests as many Malaysians demand an end to a culture of bullying in the education system. Police initially closed the case swiftly, finding no signs of foul play and allowing her burial. But as suspicions mounted over the circumstances of her death – including rumours of a cover-up linked to powerful families – the Attorney General's Chamber (AGC) stepped in and ordered an exhumation of her body. Police were also ordered to reopen their probe. On Monday, the AGC said that after the Malaysian Royal Police's review of the case, the prosecution would 'charge several suspects involved in Zara Qairina's bullying case'. Advertisement 'The decision to accuse the suspects of the bullying was made considering that the accusation will not interfere with the ongoing inquiry process,' the AGC said in a statement.


South China Morning Post
a day ago
- South China Morning Post
India warns citizens against job scammers exploiting Malaysia visa-free scheme
The High Commission of India has cautioned its citizens against unscrupulous parties duping them with claims of employment opportunities in Malaysia under the 30-day visa-free entry scheme. In a travel advisory, the high commission said it recently became aware that crooked visa and employment agents are misleading Indian nationals into believing they could take advantage of the visa waiver to seek jobs in Malaysia. It reminded its nationals that the visa-free scheme is not for employment. The advisory also raised concerns over instances of its citizens being denied entry upon arrival at Malaysian airports after failing to meet the terms and conditions required by the Malaysian Immigration Department. It stated that, in addition to suspicions of seeking employment, other factors leading to affected travellers being categorised under 'Not to Land' (NTL) included insufficient funds for their visit, inadequate proof of accommodation, absence of return tickets and various other violations. The high commission said that upon issuance of the NTL notice, passengers are required to remain within an airport building until they are repatriated by the airline they had travelled on earlier.


South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- South China Morning Post
Serial shoplifters in UK will be tagged, police chief warns amid surge in cases
Some shoplifters 'feel they can rob shops with impunity', a British policing chief has said. Katy Bourne, the national lead for shoplifting at the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, said more robust police interventions and 'meaningful criminal justice measures' were needed to prevent reoffending. Shoplifting hit a record high last year, with the number of offences surpassing 500,000 for the first time, up 20 per cent from 2023. Writing in the Telegraph on Saturday, the police and crime commissioner for Sussex said: 'What on Earth has happened to our high streets and our city centres? Why do some people feel they can rob shops with impunity and abuse and assault staff without any fear of retribution?' There must be rehabilitation for some offenders as well as 'significant alternatives to our overcrowded prisons', she said. Sussex will see 'the first electronic tagging scheme for persistent shoplifters', Bourne said.