A SINGLE mother and her female friend pleaded guilty in the Johor Baru Sessions Court today to charges of abusing and neglecting her seven-year-old son.

Nurul Asyiqin Mohamad Zahir, 27, and Awiin Chua, 30, a Singaporean, changed their pleas to guilty when the case was mentioned today.

Judge V.M. Mabel Sheela then fixed October 10 to hear the facts of the case before sentencing.

Nurul Asyiqin and Chua were jointly charged with abusing and neglecting the boy, causing him to suffer physical injuries.

The two women were charged with committing the offence in a house in Bandar Layang Kasa, Pasir Gudang between July 1 and August 9.

They were charged under section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, read together with section 34 of the penal code, and faced a maximum fine of RM50,000 or imprisonment of not more than 20 years, or both, upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Nur Diyana Zubir appeared for the prosecution while lawyer Abd Rahim Ali represented both accused.

The court also maintained Nurul Asyiqin’s bail of RM15,000 in one surety for all charges and Chua’s bail of RM20,000 in one surety for all charges.

They were also ordered to report themselves at a police station once a month pending the disposal of their case and to not intimidate the victim.

On August 16, both accused pleaded not guilty to the charge of abusing and neglecting the boy.

Rahim, when met by reporters outside the court, said that until now, family members or acquaintances of both accused did not post bail. – Bernama, September 27, 2023.