In a sombre proceeding at the Sessions Court today, a young couple admitted to charges of neglecting their seven-day-old baby boy. Nur Aisyah Azila Zairul Akmal, 21, and Muhammad Alhafiz Mukminin Mohd Noor, 24, entered guilty pleas as the charges were read to them by Judge Wan Suhaila Mohd.
The charges stated that the couple, responsible for the care of their newborn, had neglected the child in a manner likely to cause physical harm. This distressing incident occurred at a chicken shop on Jalan Air Putih between 7:00 AM and 7:15 AM on May 18. The case has brought to light the severe consequences of neglect, particularly for vulnerable infants.
Prosecutors presented the case under Section 31(1)(a) of the Children Act 2001, which prescribes stringent penalties for child neglect. If convicted, the couple could face a maximum fine of RM50,000 or imprisonment for up to 20 years, or both, as mandated by Section 31(1) of the same act and read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code.
Judge Wan Suhaila Mohd granted bail for the accused at RM2,000 each, with one surety, and scheduled the sentencing hearing for May 28. Deputy Public Prosecutor Syairah Mohamad Razali led the prosecution, while the accused were represented by lawyer Nurul Farhana Shamsudin from the National Legal Aid Foundation (YBGK).
The details of the case revealed a heartbreaking scenario: a baby boy, born on May 12 at a house in Jabur Kubur, was found abandoned at a chicken shop on May 18. The infant, whose umbilical cord had already detached, was discovered by a chicken truck driver around 7:30 AM. The baby was wearing only a shirt and was shivering from the cold. Weighing just three kilograms, the child was left in a perilous state.
Following the discovery, authorities launched an investigation, leading to the arrest of Nur Aisyah and Muhammad Alhafiz at two separate locations last Monday. The case underscores the critical importance of child welfare and the severe legal repercussions for those who fail to protect the most vulnerable members of society.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the responsibilities that come with parenthood and the devastating impact of neglect. The legal proceedings will continue to unfold, with the court set to determine the appropriate sentencing for the couple, aiming to ensure justice and underscore the gravity of their actions.
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