Jobless man charged with abusing 3-year-old

An unemployed man was charged in the Selayang Magistrate's Court here today with neglecting and abusing a

three-year-old girl.

Shahrul Nizam Amad Kamal, 26, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge before Magistrate Nurul Izzah Hasan Basri.

Shahrul Nizam, as the person having the care of the child, was alleged to have committed the offence at a nursery at Selayang Baru, Batu Caves, Gombak here between 11am and 4.50pm between Aug 20 and 28 this year.

The charge, under Section 31 (1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, provides an imprisonment for up to 10 years, or with fine of not more than RM20,000, or both, if found guilty.

The court set bail at RM5,000 with one surety and fixed Oct 14 for mention.

The prosecution was conducted by deputy public prosecutor Khairul Azhwa Yusrie Mohamad, while Shahrul Nizam was represented by Izleen Ismail. -- Bernama