KOTA TINGGI: A 61-year-old babysitter pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court here to causing the death of a nine-month-old boy.
Chia Muy Hoong claimed trial after the charges were read to her in front of Sessions judge Hayda Faridzal Abu Hasan on Wednesday (Jan 22).
According to the charge sheet, Chia, as a person with custody of the infant, allegedly abandoned, neglected, or exposed the child to danger, resulting in injury to the left side of his head leading to death.
The offence was allegedly committed at a house on Jalan Intan 4, Taman Intan Jaya, Mersing, between Dec 6 last year and Jan 12.
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The charge under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 carries a penalty under the same section, providing for a fine not exceeding RM50,000, imprisonment for up to 20 years, or both upon conviction.
Additionally, the court may order the accused to complete a bond with a guarantor to ensure good behaviour for a specified period under conditions set by the court and to perform community service.
DPP Ahmad Khairuddin Khalid prosecuted the case while Amy Law Siew Tin represented the accused.
During the proceeding, Ahmad Khairuddin proposed bail of RM20,000 with one surety, along with additional conditions requiring the accused to report to the nearest police station regularly and refrain from contacting any witnesses, particularly the victim’s family.
Law requested lower bail, arguing that her client was the sole breadwinner for the family and cared for her husband, a person with disabilities (OKU).
“Babysitting has been her main occupation, with over 20 years of experience in the field. She has no criminal record, and this is the first charge (brought against her)," she said, requesting the court to set bail at RM5,000.
The court then fixed bail at RM5,000 with one surety, along with the additional terms.
The case is set for mention and submission of documents on Feb 24.
The accused posted bail.
It was reported earlier that a babysitter was arrested in connection with the death of a nine-month-old boy.
It was learned that the baby was admitted to hospital with injuries on Jan 12.
The hospital lodged a police report the following day and the infant succumbed to his injuries on Jan 14.
The babysitter was arrested on Jan 15.