11-11-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) A mother and her two friends have been sentenced to jail after admitting to physically abusing a three-year-old boy in a disturbing case of child abuse that came to light through video footage.
The Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court handed down 14-day jail terms and RM10,000 fines to each of the three defendants after they pleaded guilty to charges under the Child Act. The convicted women include the victim’s 20-year-old mother, who works at a fast-food restaurant, Adibah Mohd Zaini, 35, a housewife, and unemployed Nor Azlin Fatin Najihah Lokman, 25.
Judge Norina Zainol Abidin ordered the trio to begin their sentences immediately, with an additional six-month prison term to be imposed if they fail to pay the fines. The court also mandated a five-year good behaviour bond and 240 hours of community service to be completed after their release.
The abuse came to authorities’ attention when the child’s mother filed a police report on November 4 regarding footage showing Adibah repeatedly kicking her son at an apartment in Taman Danau Desa, Brickfields. The incident, which occurred on February 23, took place in front of both the child’s mother and Nor Azlin.
Medical examination at Kuala Lumpur Hospital revealed multiple injuries on the young victim’s body, including trauma to his eyebrows, stomach, back, hands and feet. Subsequent police investigation determined that all three women had participated in kicking the toddler.
The defendants, who appeared in court without legal representation, were prosecuted under Section 31(1) of the Child Act, read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code. The charges carried potential maximum penalties of RM50,000 in fines and 20 years’ imprisonment.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Joshua Tee Yee Khuan represented the prosecution in the case, which has highlighted concerns about child protection and domestic violence in Malaysia.
