Welfare home founder charged with neglect of Down syndrome girl
Siti Bainun Ahd Razali claimed trial to the charge which could see her fined, jailed or both if convicted.
The founder of the Rumah Bonda welfare home, Siti Bainun Ahd Razali, was charged in the Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur today with the neglect of a 13-year-old girl with Down syndrome.
She pleaded not guilty to the charge read out to her before judge Izralizam Sanusi.
Siti Bainun, 29, was charged as a person having care of the child, with neglecting the girl in a manner likely to cause her physical or emotional injury.
The offence was allegedly committed at a condominium unit in Wangsa Maju between February and June this year.
The charge, framed under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, provides for a maximum fine of RM50,000, imprisonment for up to 20 years, or both upon conviction.
The court allowed Siti Bainun bail of RM12,000 with one surety and ordered her not to intimidate the witness.
She was also told to surrender her passport to the court and to report to the nearest police station.
The prosecution was conducted by deputy public prosecutors Noor Shakira Aliana Alias and Rosidah Abu Bakar, while lawyer Nur Aminahtul Mardiah Md Nor represented Siti Bainun.
The court set Oct 4 for mention.
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