Mother jailed 5 years for abusing daughter; husband denies 4 rape charges

KOTA KINABALU: A mother was sentenced to five years in prison for physically abusing her 9-year-old daughter. The husband of the child faced four charges of rape. During the court proceedings, a video capturing the mother's abuse of the girl was presented. The woman pleaded guilty to causing physical injuries to the child at the apartment complex car park in Penampang on October 22.

She was charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which can lead to up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to RM50,000, or both. The unrepresented mother, 29, claimed she had three young children and that her husband had also been arrested. The Deputy Public Prosecutor stated the child had endured abuse since she was 7, supported by a medical report that showed multiple abrasions, bruises, and bite marks.

The victim also suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The mother was ordered to pay a RM10,000 fine and receive a 3-year good behavior bond of RM2,000 with a surety after serving her prison term. She must also complete 120 hours of community service. The husband, 34, pleaded not guilty to raping their daughter four times in February, April, May, and October.

He was charged under Section 376(3) of the Penal Code, carrying a 8-30 year prison sentence and a minimum of 10 canings upon conviction. His case was set for pre-trial management on December 11. Bail was denied, and he remains in custody pending the next court date.