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KUALA LUMPUR – The premises occupied by the Kuala Lumpur Rumah Bonda Welfare Organisation, or only known as Rumah Bonda is allowed to reopen, but not as a care centre.
This followed a decision by magistrate Nur Syafiqah Noorinda here today in allowing an application by Rumah Bonda founder, Siti Bainun Ahd Razali, to remove the seal on the premises.
The Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory Social Welfare Department had sealed the premises near Setapak after Siti Bainun was charged in an alleged child abuse case involving a 13-year-old down syndrome girl.
Lawyer Asiah Abd Jalil, representing Siti Bainun, said the Social Welfare Department did not object to her client’s application to remove the seal.
“Rumah Bonda has been compounded amounting to RM5,000, which was paid on April 25,” said the lawyer when contacted after the court proceedings today.
At today’s proceedings, federal counsel Fatin Shafira Ab Patah appeared on behalf of the director of the Social Welfare Department.
Last June 7, Rumah Bonda filed an application to remove the seal order received from the department in order to use the premises for other purposes other than a childcare centre.
Based on a supporting affidavit filed with the suit, Siti Bainun said she had received a notice to seal the premises which informed that Rumah Bonda in Taman Setapak would be closed in accordance with Section 16 (1) of the Care Centres Act 1993.
Siti Bainun claimed that the action taken on July 12, 2021 on the grounds of Rumah Bonda was not registered under the Care Centres Act 1993 was unfair, not in accordance with the principles of administration and law as the Social Welfare Department was aware that it was in the process of registration.
On April 20, Rumah Bonda received an offer of compound notice, amounting to RM5,000 from the department.
According to Siti Bainun, she was disappointed when informed that Rumah Bonda could only be opened through a court order even though she had paid the compound last April 25. – Bernama, July 15, 2022