Mother of five-year-old pleads not guilty to abuse

Mother of a five-year-old daughter pleaded not guilty at the Butterworth Sessions Court on Friday on the charge of abusing her daughter on Tuesday.

The accused, R. Malathi , 41, had asked to be put on trial after the charge was read in front of Judge Norashima Khalid.

According to the charge sheet, Malathi was alleged to have beaten and abused her daughter in a house at Jalan Besar, Kampong Manis, Prai at 3.30pm on February 2.

She was charged under Section 31(1) of the Children’s Act 2001 which carries a 10 year prison sentence and fine of up to RM20,000 if convicted.

Deputy Public Prosecutor, Noor Syafina Mohd Radzuan has requested no bail to be given on the accused.

However the accused who was unrepresented had requested for bail with reasons that she had to work and attend counselling.

Judge Norashima however allowed a bail of RM5,000 with one surety and set Mac 8 for the remention of the case.

The abuse was exposed when the cry of a child was heard on Tuesday.