Siti Bainun, 29, pleaded not guilty to the charge which was read out to her before judge Izralizam Sanusi.

The woman was charged with mistreating the teenager in a manner likely to cause her physical and emotional injury, although she is the person who is responsible for taking care of her.

She was alleged to have committed the offence at a condominium unit in Wangsa Maju between February and June this year.

The charge, framed under Section 31(1) of the Child Act 2001, carries a maximum fine of RM50,000 or imprisonment for up to 20 years, or both, upon conviction

On Aug 20, the woman pleaded not guilty to a charge of neglecting the girl in a manner likely to cause her physical and emotional injuries at the same location and during the same time frame.

The court later set today’s date for case management.

Izralizam allowed the woman bail of RM5,000 with one surety and ordered her not to intimidate the witness. She was also ordered to surrender her passport to the court and to report herself to the nearest police station.

The court set 15 days for the trial from March 30, 2022.

Deputy public prosecutor Noor Shakira Alias appeared for the prosecution, while Siti Bainun was represented by lawyers Farhan Maaruf and Nur Aminahtul Md Nor.