Kuala lumpur:<Text>

A soldier has pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court to charges of abusing his son, an incident that allegedly took place two years ago.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zainudin Zainal Abidin, aged 42, faced the court where the charge was formally presented by Judge Zulkifli Abllah. The soldier is accused of physically abusing his 10-year-old son by kicking him in the abdomen and slapping him in the face. The alleged incident occurred at a residence in Kampung Kijang at approximately 7:30 pm on May 11, 2024.

The charge is brought under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 (Act 611), which outlines severe penalties for child abuse. If found guilty, Zainudin could face a maximum fine of RM50,000, imprisonment for up to 20 years, or both.

The court has granted Zainudin bail set at RM10,000 with one surety. The next court session is scheduled for June 24, during which the submission of documents will take place. Deputy Public Prosecutor Nur Kamilah Che Ibrahim is leading the prosecution, while lawyer Samsul Bahrin is defending Zainudin in this case.