ALOR GAJAH: A caregiver was charged in the Alor Gajah magistrate's court today with the murder of an eight-month-old baby last week.
The accused, Nor Afifah Abdullah Shuhaimi, 34, appeared visibly emotional and nodded in understanding as the charge was read out by the court interpreter before magistrate Dr Teoh Shu Yee at 9.50am.
No plea was recorded from the accused as murder cases fall under the jurisdiction of the High Court.
Nor Afifah is accused of murdering Muhammad Al Fateh Amri Mohd Fikry Amri at the Taska Anak Pintar Soleha Child Care Centre, Jalan Kelemak Utama 3, Taman Kelemak Utama, on Sept 6, between 7.30am and 8.30am.
The accused, who is also a mother of three, is charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which provides for the death penalty or imprisonment for 30 to 40 years, with mandatory whipping of not less than 12 strokes if the death penalty is not imposed.
Deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Sazali Omar is leading the prosecution and assisted by Muhamad Ehsan Nasarudin and Sharina Farhana Nor Sa'ari, while the accused is represented by lawyer Hermes Media Putra Ibrahim.
Ahmad Sazali requested a new date for the mention of the case to obtain the post-mortem examination and chemistry reports, as well as DNA reports before the case can be transferred for trial at the High Court.
The court has set Nov 13 for mention of the case.
After the proceedings, the accused, who was allowed to meet with family members, was seen crying and embracing them.