MELAKA: A young mother pleaded guilty at the Sessions Court here on Wednesday (Oct 1) to a charge of giving up the care of her three-month-old baby in exchange for RM2,000.
However, Judge Rohatul Akmar Abdullah deferred sentencing of the accused, Yan Chin Ding, 22, to Oct 14, pending submission of the statement of facts by the prosecution.
According to the charge sheet, the accused was found to have taken part in a transaction with the intention of handing over the care of her three-month-old biological daughter to a couple aged 51 and 35, in return for a cash payment of RM2,000.
The offence was committed at about 8pm in front of a laundrette at Banda Kaba in Melaka Tengah district on Sept 17.
If convicted, the accused faces imprisonment of up to 20 years, a fine of up to RM50,000 or both, under Section 48 of the Child Act 2001, punishable under Section 48(1) of the same Act.
The accused, originally from Klang, Selangor, had moved to Melaka whilst pregnant in search of employment.
She also has two other children, aged three and two, who are currently under the care of their grandparents.
During that period, the accused was said to have been experiencing financial difficulties, which led to disputes with her husband, before deciding to secretly sell her baby to a couple residing in Perak.
DPP Nor Asnini Kamarudin prosecuted whilst the accused was unrepresented.
The court later granted a bail of RM8,000 with one surety.
