A former babysitter was sentenced to five years in prison for negligence leading to a baby’s death at a Kota Damansara nursery
PETALING JAYA: A Sessions Court sentenced a former babysitter to five years’ imprisonment for negligence causing an infant’s death.
Judge Dr Syahliza Warnoh found Indonesian national Mulyati Kalim, 54, guilty after the defence failed to raise reasonable doubt.
The court ordered Mulyati to begin her sentence immediately at Kajang Prison. She must also execute a three-year good behaviour bond with two sureties and RM5,000 in security.
Upon completing her prison term, she is required to perform 120 hours of community service within six months.
Her application for a stay of execution was dismissed by the court. The offence occurred at a nursery in Kota Damansara around 9.40 am on Oct 10, 2023.
Mulyati had custody of two-month-old Qaseh Aulia Faizul when her negligent act resulted in the child’s death. She was charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to RM50,000, or both.
Defence counsel Badrul Munir Bukhari pleaded for a non-custodial sentence, citing his client’s family responsibilities and remorse. Deputy Public Prosecutor Ahmad Loqman Hakim Ahmad Khaire urged for a deterrent sentence.
“The victim’s parents waited five years for her birth. This incident has caused them immense loss,” the prosecutor said.
Outside court, the child’s father, Faizul Ali Adam, said the decision should remind childcare providers to prioritise safety. “While this sentence cannot bring our child back, it offers some measure of relief and serves as a lesson to the community,” he said.
The child’s mother, Maisarah Rosli, said she respected the court’s ruling but acknowledged her enduring pain. “I hope no other parent has to go through what we experienced,” she said.
