Parit: An Indonesian couple pleaded guilty in the Sessions Court here today to a charge of abusing a three-year-old boy under their care, which led to his death last month. Siswadi, 35, and Nurhayati, 34, committed the offence at Kampung Sadang Blanja Kiri, Parit, in the Perak Tengah district, at about 10 am on September 22.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the offence falls under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which provides for a maximum fine of RM50,000 or a jail term of up to 20 years, or both, upon conviction. Deputy Public Prosecutor S. Vitthiyeswary appeared for the prosecution, while both accused, who are from Medan, were unrepresented in court.

Judge Ainul Shahrin Mohamad ordered that the Indonesian Embassy be informed that two of its nationals had been charged in court. The court has fixed November 17 for the presentation of facts and sentencing.