KOTA BARU: A 37-year-old housewife was charged at the Sessions Court here today with two counts of abusing her 9-year-old stepson between July 10 and 13.
The accused Nor Hidayah Che Awang pleaded not guilty before judge Zulkifli Abllah.
The accused was alleged to have abused her stepson by locking him inside a bathroom and causing injuries on the boy's head, face and body by pushing him against a wall.
She was alleged to have committed the offences at a house in Jalan Taman Yik Perdana Kok Lanas here from 1pm on July 10 to 3pm on July 13.
Nor Hidayah was charged under Section 31(1) of the Child Act 2001.
The charge provides for a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or a maximum imprisonment of 20 years, or both, upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Siti Edabayu Subhan prosecuted the case while lawyer Ahmad Adha Amir Yasser Amri represented the accused.
Siti Edabayu requested no bail be imposed for the accused as the case was serious and the victim had suffered trauma.
Ahmad Adha, however, asked for a minimum bail as the accused had promised not to disturb the witnesses and would abide by the rules set by the court.
The judge then allowed the accused to be released on bail of RM12,000 with one surety and ordered the accused to report herself at the nearest police station.
He set Aug 26 for the case to be re-mentioned.