MELAKA: Two sisters were charged at a Magistrate's Court here with engaging in an argument inside a ward at Melaka Hospital related to a dispute over caring for their critically ill father.
The two accused - Normala Othman, 47, and Julaiha Othman, 45 - claimed trial when the charge was read by the court interpreter before Magistrate Uthman Abd Ghani on Thursday (April 17).
According to the charge, both accused were alleged to have been involved in a public affray.
The offence was committed at Ward 42, Bed 2A of Melaka Hospital at around 2.50pm on Jan 19.
The charge against the two was framed under Section 160 of the Penal Code which carries a jail term of up to six months, a maximum fine of RM1,000, or both, upon conviction
It is understood that the altercation stemmed from an issue regarding who would care for their father, who was critically ill in the hospital ward before he passed away on Jan 20.
Earlier, Deputy Public Prosecutor Farah Nabihah Sofian proposed bail of RM6,000 for each accused.
However, lawyer Muhammad Mawardi Zainudin from the National Legal Aid Foundation, who represented both accused, appealed for a lower bail amount.
Each of the accused explained that they were caring for a sick mother and were supporting young children.
The court granted bail of RM800 for each accused and fixed June 3 as the next mention date.
