Malaysian singer Naim ‘committed to clear name’ after sexual assault charge

The 28-year-old pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl at a hotel in Petaling Jaya

A Malaysian singer and actor was charged on Tuesday for the alleged sexual assault of an underaged girl, a crime that carries up to 20 years in jail and caning if convicted.

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.

“I am committed to giving my full cooperation to clear my name,” Naim told reporters outside the court after the hearing.

Naim first made a name for himself in 2018 with the song Sekali Lagi (Once More), which was a hit both in Malaysia and Indonesia. The official video for the song reached over 7 million views on YouTube. More recently, he played a supporting role in the local blockbuster movie Keluang Man (Bat Man), which premiered last month.

His case triggered a flurry of activity on Malaysian social media, with hundreds of fans dismayed by the news.

“Naim … I hope the accusation against you is wrong. I am a diehard fan,” read one comment on his official YouTube page.

Police on June 4 said that the arrest followed a complaint lodged by the victim on May 20, accusing Naim of sexual assault the night before at a hotel.