Rumah Bonda owner Siti Bainun Ahd Razali’s lawyer Nur A’minahtul Mardiah Md Nor said magistrate Norfarahain Roslan fixed the hearing date when the case was mentioned today.

“The magistrate will then decide who gets the children,” she added.

A’minahtul said the court also heard Siti Bainun’s bid to revoke a temporary court order that granted JKM custody of the five children.

The temporary custody was awarded shortly after Siti Bainun was arrested over allegations of abuse involving a Down Syndrome child named Bella.

“The court, however, turned down our application to set aside the interim order, saying that it was issued in accordance with the law,” she told reporters after the proceedings.

A’minahtul also said the three biological mothers of the five children wanted to withdraw their affidavits in support of Siti Bainun’s custody application on the grounds that they did not understand the contents.

“For that matter, the magistrate set Nov 2 to hear if they are allowed to do so.

“The court also allowed Siti Bainun to meet the five children physically,” she added.

Last month, Siti Bainun pleaded not guilty at the sessions court to a charge of neglecting Bella.

The alleged offence took place at a condominium in Wangsa Maju between February and June this year.

The charge, framed under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, provides for a maximum fine of RM50,000, or imprisonment for up to 20 years, or both, if found guilty.