2 bekas pekerja taska didakwa cuai, aniaya kanak-kanak

Two former employees of a children's home were arraigned in Kuantan Court today, facing charges of cruelty and child abuse, according to today's proceedings. (Picture file) Norlida Abdul Razak, 39, and Zairifah Zainal Abidin, 31, each pleaded not guilty to the allegations after the charges were read to Judge Harmi Thamri Mohamad.

Norlida was accused of causing emotional harm to a seven-month-old male child in a home in Taman Cenderawasih Indah on May 15 at 4:30 PM, while Zairifah was charged with physically or emotionally harming a two-year-eight-month-old male child at the same home on August 11 at 2:30 PM. The charges against both women stem from Section 31(1)(a) of the Malaysian Children's Act 2001, which allows for a fine of up to RM50,000 or imprisonment for up to 20 years, or both, if found guilty.

Defense counsel Wan Nurul Izzati Wan Mohamad Zahari proposed a RM15,000 bail for each accused, while counsel Mohd Rusnizam Abdullah representing both women sought a lower bond. The court permitted a RM8,000 bond for each accused, subject to additional conditions that do not interfere with the victim or witnesses, and scheduled the next hearing for October 26 to present the case for record.

Earlier, several video clips showing the alleged neglect of children at the home had sparked widespread public reaction.