A MARRIED couple was charged in the Ampang Sessions Court today with two counts of ill-treating their six-year-old niece and seven-year-old nephew.

Julianah Omar, 34, and her husband, Muhammad Asyari Mohd Alwi, 29, pleaded not guilty to both charges before judge Wan Mohd Norisham Wan Yaakob.

They were jointly charged with ill-treating the two siblings at their home at Apartment Bella Vista, Taman Cahaya Ampang, at 5.05pm between August and September 16, 2022.

The charges are framed under section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which provides for a maximum fine of RM50,000 or imprisonment for up to 20 years, or both, if found guilty.

They were allowed bail of RM10,000 in one surety each and ordered to report themselves at the nearest police station, surrender their passports to the court and not to intimidate the children and witnesses.

Deputy public prosecutor Aiza Ali prosecuted while lawyer Azlinie Othman represented the couple.

The court set November 3 for mention. – Bernama, September 23, 2022.