Child abuse case: Father and step mother plead not guilty

The father and step mother of a five-year-old girl were charged in the Sessions Court on Sunday with abusing the child.

The woman, Rahayu Hassan, 23, was charged with abusing the girl by causing her physical and emotional injury at a house in Kampung Bagus, Rantau Panjang, between January and May this year.

The charge, under Section 31 of the Child Act 2001, carries a fine not exceeding RM20,000 or 10 years' jail, or both, if found guilty.

She was also charged with voluntarily causing grievous hurt on the child at the same place and date, an offence under Section 325 of the Penal Code which carries an imprisonment for up to seven years or fine or both, if found guilty.

Rahayu pleaded not guilty and claimed trial to both charges.

Meanwhile, her husband, Zulkifli Che Othman, 39, who is the victim's biological father, was charged with neglecting his responsibility in caring for his daughter, resulting in the girl to suffer physical and emotional injury at the same place and date.

He was charged under Section 31 of the Child Act 2001 and faced a fine of up to RM20,000 or 10 years' jail or both, if found guilty.

Zulkifli also pleaded not guilty and claimed trial to the charge.

Judge Dazuki Ali allowed the couple bail of RM20,000 in one surety on each count.

They were also ordered to report themselves at the Rantau Panjang police station between the first and fifth day of every month until the disposal of the case.

Deputy public prosecutor Julia Ibrahim prosecuted, while lawyer Mohamad Ridzuan represented both the accused.

The court set Aug 16 for mention.