Sanyzam Dabal, 46, claimed trial after the three charges were read before judge Rosli Ahmad at the Tawau sessions court, Berita Harian reported.

He was charged with sexually assaulting a 10-year-old pupil in a classroom at the school on multiple occasions between March 20 and Sept 17 last year.

On the second charge, he was accused of sexually assaulting another 10-year-old pupil during a religious studies class on Nov 30, 2023.

Sanyzam was also charged with committing the same act on yet another Standard 4 pupil during a religious studies class on Sept 17, 2023.

The charges were framed under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act, which provides for up to 20 years in jail and whipping if convicted.

Deputy public prosecutor Suhaimi Suriana prosecuted, while Sanyzam  was represented by Jhesseny Kang.

The court allowed Sanyzam bail of RM45,000 and fixed March 6 for case management.