BALIK PULAU: A married couple has pleaded not guilty to abusing their 12-year-old daughter.
The husband, 47, and his 49-year-old wife jointly claimed trial after the charge was read to them before Sessions judge Ahzal Fariz Ahmad Khairuddin here on Tuesday (May 27).
According to the charge sheet, they are accused of abusing the girl, who is in their care, causing her physical injury.
The offence was allegedly committed at their residence in Bayan Lepas at 7.30am on May 18.
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The charge is framed under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 for abuse, neglect, abandonment, or exposure of a child in a way that could cause physical or emotional injury.
The charge carries a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or a jail term of up to 20 years, or both, upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Lim Jin Hong requested bail of RM20,000 for each accused and that they must report to the nearest police station every month pending disposal of the case.
"I request that the accused both do not disturb the victim and surrender their passports," he added.
Lawyer V. Parthipan, who represented the couple, requested lower bail as his clients may lose their jobs if they fail to report back to work after their remand.
The husband is a factory supervisor earning RM5,500 monthly while his wife is a project manager at a factory drawing RM7,000 a month.
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"Despite their high income, the husband still has to support his mother and another child currently in secondary school, as well as repay car and housing loans.
"The wife has just had initial surgery for ovarian cancer and needs follow-up treatment at a private hospital here. I am requesting the court's consideration," he said.
Ahzal set bail at RM10,000 each with one surety each and all the conditions set by Lim.
He set July 1 for case mention.
It was reported last week that a couple had been arrested for child abuse in which a young girl was allegedly caned, resulting in injuries and bruises on her back.
South-West OCPD Asst Comm Sazalee Adam said police received a report about the incident from the principal of the Year Six pupil's school on May 20, before detaining the couple.
"The incident came to light after the school counsellor noticed that the 12-year-old pupil appeared to be in pain at school.
"Upon questioning and examining her, the counsellor discovered injuries on the victim's back.
"Following the discovery, the counsellor informed the principal, who then lodged a police report," he said.
