MELAKA: A 35-year-old babysitter claimed trial at the Sessions Court in Ayer Keroh to a charge of neglecting a one-year-old toddler at a childcare centre in Taman Pertam Jaya at Semabok here.
Siti Salwa Rezuan entered her plea before Judge Rohatul Akmar Abdullah on Thursday (Oct 3).
Based on the charge sheet, the accused, as the caregiver, allegedly neglected and exposed the boy in a manner that could result in physical and emotional harm.
The offence was allegedly committed at about 2.30pm at a childcare centre in Taman Pertam Jaya, Semabok, in the Melaka Tengah district on Oct 27, 2023.
If found guilty, the accused could face a prison sentence of up to 20 years, or a fine of no more than RM50,000 under Section 3(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001.
Earlier, Deputy Public Prosecutor Nor Asnini Kamarudin suggested bail of RM20,000 for the accused.
However, lawyer Mohd Nazri Abd Hamid, representing the accused, appealed for a lower bail of RM5,000, stating that his client only earns a monthly salary of RM1,700 as a babysitter, while her husband is a factory operator.
The court granted a bail of RM7,000 with one surety and imposed additional conditions that required the accused to report to the nearest police station once a month until the end of proceedings.
The court also set Nov 17 as the next mention of the case.
In November 2023, reports surfaced that the child suffered a head injury after being taken to a childcare centre.
The owner of the centre then claimed the child was found unconscious while being dressed.
The victim was then taken to Melaka Hospital by his family for treatment,and was confirmed to have a head injury.
It was also reported that the boy had previously sustained bruises on his right cheek and left forehead after being sent to the same care centre, which had no permit to operate.
