SEREMBAN: A woman who pleaded not guilty to strangling and slapping her 20-month-old baby has been ordered to undergo a month-long mental health assessment at Hospital Permai in Johor.
Judge Surita Budin made this ruling after Deputy Public Prosecutor Nurul Balkis Zunaid informed the court that the 35-year-old mother might have mental health issues.
The woman was charged with committing the offence around 4am on February 28 at a house in Taman Sentul, Mantin.
She was charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which carries a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or a jail term of up to 20 years or both upon conviction.
A lawyer did not represent the accused.
Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 addresses the offence of ill-treatment, neglect, abandonment, or exposure of children, making it illegal for anyone responsible for a child to cause them physical or emotional harm.
Judge Surita approved the prosecution's request and set June 19 for remention.
