KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 — A married couple were charged in the Ayer Keroh Sessions Court in Melaka yesterday with physically abusing their eight-year-old adopted son in separate incidents in August and October.
Malaysia Gazette reported that the accused, Badrul Amin Yazid, 27, and Nur Amiesya Saim, 24, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read separately before Judges Raja Noor Adilla Raja Mahyaldin and Rohatul Akmar Abdullah.
According to the charge sheet, the couple, as the child’s adoptive parents, are accused of neglecting or exposing the boy to conditions likely to cause physical and emotional harm.
The alleged offences took place at two homes in Taman Merdeka Jaya and Taman Merdeka, Batu Berendam, at about 8.30pm on August 20 and October 29.
If convicted under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, they face up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to RM50,000, or both.
Deputy public prosecutors Muhamad Ehsan Nasarudin and Inspector Nur Zaidah Muhamad Zailani offered bail of RM40,000 and RM30,000 respectively, with additional conditions.
The couple, who broke down in tears during their separate proceedings, appealed for lower bail, citing financial commitments and the need to care for ill parents.
Judge Raja Noor Adilla allowed RM20,000 bail for Badrul Amin with one surety, while Judge Rohatul Akmar set RM9,000 bail for Nur Amiesya.
Both were ordered not to approach the victim or prosecution witnesses, to surrender their passports, and to report to police monthly.
The case will be mentioned again on December 16 for the appointment of counsel and submission of documents.
Last Wednesday, the couple were remanded for six days after allegedly burning the boy’s fingers with a lighter and scalding him with hot water over a missing colour pencil at school.
A source said the abuse came to light when the victim’s uncle visited the family home in Batu Berendam on October 30 and noticed burn marks on the boy’s right hand and old scars on his legs.
