1 week Ago
SEREMBAN: Lawyers for a childcare assistant accused of injuring four young girls with a hot metal spoon are set to file a representation to review the charges. Najib Zakaria, representing Puteri Nurin Amalina Ahmad Daud, mentioned this during a remention of the case before Sessions Court Judge Meor Sulaiman Ahmad Tarmizi. On Sept 12, the accused was charged with causing burns and physical injury to the arms of girls aged five and six.
The offences allegedly took place in August this year, and the accused turned 20 on Sept 22. Puteri Nurin Amalina faces charges under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which upon conviction, carries a maximum jail term of 20 years, a fine of up to RM50,000 or both. Najib also requested bail for the accused.
He pointed out that when the accused was charged in separate courts on Sept 12, one court granted bail while the other did not. Najib expressed hope that bail would be granted to avoid inconsistency. The accused faced two charges in each court.
Najib also asked for bail due to the accused being unrepresented initially. Deputy Public Prosecutor Intan Noorashikin Nasarudin stated that her team opposed bail, but if granted, they suggested a sum of RM20,000 per charge. She also requested the accused be ordered to stay away from the alleged victims and witnesses, report monthly to the police, and remain contactable.
Najib countered, saying there was no risk of the accused contacting the victims as they were under the care of the Welfare Department. Judge Meor Sulaiman allowed bail of RM40,000 for both charges. In total, the accused needs to pay RM80,000 for the four charges.
Dec 3 was set for remention to hear the representation outcome. Outside court, Dorina Abdullah, assisting Najib, said the prosecution aims to obtain a reduced charge for the accused. The defence team was appointed by GISB Sdn Bhd.
This case is linked to a major operation last month in which hundreds of children were rescued by the police under Ops Global from centres associated with GISB. A total of 402 children, comprising 201 boys and 201 girls aged between one and 17, were rescued during Ops Global last month. Raids were conducted at 18 care homes in Selangor and Negri Sembilan.
The children were suspected victims of abuse and abandonment. Police reported arresting 171 suspects, aged between 17 and 64, including a teacher and dorm caretakers..
