Cheras: A Japanese woman pleaded not guilty in the Magistrate's Court here today to a charge of concealing the birth of a baby girl by dumping the infant in a shopping mall toilet five days ago.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Noda Junko, 36, was charged with concealing the birth of a baby by disposing of the infant's body in the women's toilet of a shopping mall in Cheras between 3 pm and 5.15 pm on January 12. The charge falls under Section 318 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of two years' imprisonment, a fine, or both, upon conviction.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Nursyuhada Husna Sulaiman proposed a bail amount of RM10,000 with two sureties. However, lawyer Muhammad Afif Che Had, who represents the accused, appealed for a lower bail, citing that it was his client's first offence. He stated, "My client has been living and working in Malaysia for almost three years and has no previous criminal record."

Magistrate Noorelynna Hanim Abd Halim granted the accused bail of RM6,000 with two sureties. Additionally, the magistrate imposed a condition that the woman's international passport be surrendered to the court pending the disposal of the case.