JOHOR BARU: A 48-year-old housewife pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court today to charges of abusing a three-month-old infant in her care in July.
Monsinah Sapari entered her plea before Judge Datuk Ahmad Kamal Arifin Ismail after the charge was read by the court interpreter.
According to the charge sheet, Monsinah was entrusted with the care of a baby boy and is accused of committing abuse that could have caused physical harm to the infant. The alleged incident occurred at her home in the teachers' quarters on Jalan Tawakal, Kampung Melayu Kangkar Pulai, between 7.30am. and 12.44pm. on July 17.
The charge, under Section 34(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, is punishable under Section 31(1) of the same act, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to RM50,000, or both, upon conviction.
Defence lawyer Mohammad Muzammil Mohammad Hairiri requested bail, highlighting Monsinah's personal circumstances. "The accused is a wife and mother of four, two of whom are still in school. She is a housewife with no prior criminal record and became a nanny to help support her family," he said. He also noted that her husband is a teacher and that the family has a permanent address, eliminating the risk of fleeing.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Lydia Salleh opposed bail, citing the severity of the offence, which is non-bailable.
The court granted bail at RM5,000 with one surety and two additional conditions: Monsinah must surrender her international passport to the court and report to the Kangkar Pulai police station once a month.
The case is set for mention on Jan 15 for the submission of documents.