Babysitter pleads not guilty to exposing toddler to conditions that could have caused death

A 44-year-old babysitter, Noraidah Khairuddin, appeared in court not guilty to allegations of exposing a 13-month-old child to dangerous conditions that may have led to the toddler's death. The incident allegedly took place at a residence in Taman Desa Mawar, Lintang Kampung Melayu 2, Air Itam, on September 8th at 2 pm. According to prosecutors, Noraidah had custody of the infant and failed to provide a safe environment.

She claimed innocence, stating, "I plead not guilty because I did not do anything to him." The charge under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 carries a potential maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison or a RM50,000 fine, or both. Bail was set at RM20,000 with a surety, subject to monthly police station reporting and restrictions on tampering with witnesses.

Noraidah's attorney, Naqieya Zulkernain, requested a lower bail amount due to her client's status as a housewife reliant on her husband's income and the presence of three children. The court granted bail of RM8,000 with similar conditions and a fixed case mention for November 16th, pending the results of a post-mortem examination.

Police apprehended Noraidah and the infant's mother on September 10th following the toddler's unconsciousness and bluish lips at the babysitter's home in Air Itam.