Ayer keroh: A 36-year-old lorry driver and his wife appeared in the Sessions Court today, where they pled not guilty to allegations of physically abusing their nine-year-old daughter last month.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the charges were presented separately before Judge Rohatul Akmar Abdullah. The biological father allegedly inflicted injuries on his eldest daughter at their residence in Taman 1 Krubong around 7:00 pm on July 19. The charge falls under Section 31(1) of the Child Act 2001, which could result in a fine up to RM50,000 or a maximum of 20 years in prison, or both, if convicted.

Deputy public prosecutor Nor Asnini Kamarudin proposed a bail of RM20,000 with a condition that the accused refrain from interfering with prosecution witnesses, especially the victim. The father, who did not have legal representation, requested a reduced bail due to his irregular income and responsibilities towards his two school-going children. The court granted a bail amount of RM10,000 with the stipulated conditions by the prosecution.

In a related case, the driver's 35-year-old wife also pled not guilty to abusing the same victim at the same location and time. She faces charges under the same section of the Child Act 2001. Deputy public prosecutor Muhammad Qayyum Ramlan recommended a bail set at RM20,000, also demanding that she not interfere with the witnesses, especially the victim.

The wife, who is unemployed and caring for their other two children, aged nine and six, requested a bail reduction. The judge approved a bail of RM9,000 and scheduled the next mention of the case for September 8, during which the appointment of legal counsel will also be addressed.