THE Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court today postponed the hearing into the case of Bella, a teenage girl with Down Syndrome believed to have been abused, as she was unwell.

A prosecution witness, Yasmin Nahar Mahmood, was scheduled to be called to identify the girl today.

Deputy public prosecutor Nor Azizah Mohamad said a date will be fixed later for the girl to appear in court.

“Bella and a few other inmates at Rumah Bonda are supposed to be in court today, but because she is not well, the identification has to be postponed,” she said.

However, she said proceedings before judge Izralizam Sanusi would continue with re-examination by the prosecution against Yasmin, 19, also an occupant at Rumah Bonda.

Bella’s case went viral last year when a woman claimed the teenager was scalded by hot water and was tied while under the care of Rumah Bonda, a welfare home.

Rumah Bonda founder Siti Bainun Ahd Razali was subsequently charged with two counts of neglecting and abusing the teenage girl, causing the victim to suffer physical and emotional injuries.

The offences were allegedly committed at a condominium in Wangsa Maju, between February and June 2021.

The offences, under section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, carry a jail sentence of up to 20 years, a RM50,000 fine or both. – Bernama, May 31, 2022.