Seremban daycare assistant accused of using hot spoon on children pleads not guilty, files complaint in abuse case

SEREMBAN, October 18 — A daycare assistant has filed a complaint with the General Prosecutor’s Office regarding accusations of physical violence involving four children aged five to six.

Lawyers Najib Zakaria and Dorina Abdullah, representing Puteri Nurin Amalina Ahmad Daud, 20, briefed the court on the matter during today’s hearing before Justice Meor Sulaiman Ahmad Tarmizi at the Sessions Court.

The lawyers also requested a one-month extension to prepare the representation.

On September 12, Puteri Nurin pleaded not guilty to four counts of physical abuse against four girls at a daycare in August.

She was accused of thrusting a hot metal spoon into the victims’ arms, causing injury, and charged under section 31(1)(a) of the Children Act 2001 (Act 611 ), which carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years. imprisonment, a fine of up to RM50,000, or both, upon conviction.

During today’s proceedings, Najib asked the court to grant her bail as the accused was not represented by a lawyer when she was charged on September 12.

Najib explained that his client was charged in two separate courts on September 12, with only one granting bail. He argued that bail should be allowed to avoid inconsistency in decisions.

However, deputy public prosecutor Intan Noorashikin Nasarudin opposed bail, saying if granted, the prosecution would recommend a sum of RM20,000 for each charge.

She also requested that the accused be ordered to stay away from victims and witnesses, to report monthly to the police and to remain contactable at all times by authorities.

Najib argued that there was no risk of the accused contacting the victims as they were now being cared for by the Department of Social Welfare.

The judge then granted bail of RM40,000 for both charges and fixed December 3 for the next mention of the case. — Bernama

*If you suspect child abuse, call the following helplines for free and confidential assistance: Talian Kasih on 15999 or WhatsApp 019-2615999 (24/7); Talian BuddyBear at 1800-18-2327(BEAR) (noon to midnight daily); and One Crisis Center (24/7) Wilayah Persekutuan at 03-26155555 (Kuala Lumpur General Hospital), 03-61454333 (Sungai Buloh Hospital) or 03-83124200 (Putrajaya Hospital).