PASIR MAS: The father and stepmother of a five-year-old girl were charged in the Sessions Court on Sunday with child abuse.

The 23-year-old woman was charged with causing physical and emotional injury to the girl at a house in Kampung Bagus, Rantau Panjang, between January and May this year.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ jail, up to RM20,000 fine, or both.
She was also charged with voluntarily causing grievous hurt on the child, the penalty for which is up to seven years’ jail or fine or both.

Rahayu pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Meanwhile, her husband, aged 39, the girl’s father, was charged with neglecting his responsibility in caring for his daughter, resulting in the girl suffering physical and emotional injury.

The charge carries a penalty of 10 years’ jail, or fine of up to RM20,000 or both.
He also pleaded not guilty.

The judge allowed the couple bail of RM20,000 in one surety on each count and were ordered to report at Rantau Panjang police station between the first and fifth day of every month until the disposal of the case.

– BERNAMA