Siti Bainun Ahd Razali, founder of Rumah Bonda, claimed trial at the Kuala Lumpur sessions court today.

She was charged under Section 31 of the Child Act 2001 with neglecting 13-year-old Bella, who has been under her care since July 2014, leading to the child suffering from physical and emotional injuries.

The judge set bail of RM12,000 with one guarantor.

Siti Bainun, her agents or her workers are also prohibited from contacting the victim and other witnesses, physically or online, throughout the trial.

The court also impounded her passport and ordered her to report herself to the police once a week.

The prosecution had originally asked for bail of RM20,000, citing public interest in the case as it involved a child with disabilities.

“The government takes the protection of children seriously especially those who are disabled,” it said.

Bella’s case came to light after a social media campaign called #JusticeForBella started in July, with pictures of the child with burns on her chest, hands, neck, and thighs going viral on social media.

This followed widespread public backlash and calls for those involved in Bella’s abuse to be brought to justice.

Kuala Lumpur CID chief Saiful Annuar Yusoff said doctors confirmed that the victim had infected burn wounds on her forearm and had multiple old scars all over her body.

The court set Oct 4 for next mention.