Mother claims trial to child abuse

BUTTERWORTH: A 41-year-old woman claimed trial at the Sessions Court today for allegedly abusing her five-year-old daughter.
R. Malathi is alleged to have committed the offence at a house in Jalan Besar, Kampung Manis Prai at about 3.30pm on Feb 2.
Sessions Judge Norashima Khalid set bail at RM5,000 with one surety and fixed March 8 for mention.
The offence comes under Section 31 (1) of the Child Act 2001 for neglect which carries a maximum jail term of 10 years and a fine not exceeding RM20,000.
The accused was unrepresented while Deputy Public Prosecutor Noor Syafina Mohd Radzuan prosecuted.
It was reported that police arrested Malathi after a neighbour reported the alleged abuse at the Prai police station on Tuesday.
Earlier, photos of the five-year-old girl with bruises on her body was posted on the "Durian Kopi O" Facebook page.
The child who was sent to the Seberang Jaya Hospital for treatment will be placed under the care of the Welfare department after her release from hospital.