Sepang: A babysitter pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here today to a charge of abusing a five-month-old baby boy, allegedly causing his death last February. Farisha Azniha Mohd Sobri, 24, was charged as the person having custody of the child with abusing the infant at a house in Kampung Sungai Merab Luar, Sepang, at about 11 am on Feb 12.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Farisha was charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001. This section prescribes a penalty of a fine of up to RM50,000, imprisonment for up to 20 years, or both, upon conviction. The legislation also gives the court the authority to impose a bond of good behaviour with a surety for a designated period and under conditions it considers appropriate, along with community service.

Judge Ahmad Fuad Othman granted Farisha bail at RM5,000 with one surety and mandated that she report to the nearest police station once a month. The court adjourned the case for mention on May 21.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Saifuddin Rafiee represented the prosecution, while lawyer Rohan Singh defended the babysitter.