This followed a decision by magistrate Nur Syafiqah Noorinda in allowing an application by Rumah Bonda founder Siti Bainun Abd Razali to remove the seal on the premises.

The Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory social welfare department (JKM WPKL) had sealed the premises near Setapak after Siti Bainun was charged in an alleged child abuse case involving a 13-year-old girl with Down Syndrome, named Bella.

Lawyer Asiah Abd Jalil, representing Siti Bainun, said JKM did not object to her client’s application to remove the seal.

“Rumah Bonda has been compounded a total of RM5,000 and the fine was paid on April 25,” said the lawyer when contacted after court proceedings today.

At today’s proceedings, federal counsel Fatin Shafira Ab Patah appeared on behalf of the director of JKM WPKL.

On June 7, Rumah Bonda filed an application to remove the seal order obtained by JKM WPKL on its premises. It said it wished to use the premises for purposes other than that of a care centre.

Based on a supporting affidavit filed with the suit, Siti Bainun said she had received a notice to seal the premises from JKM WPKL, which informed her 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 that Rumah Bonda was not registered under the Care Centres Act 1993, was unfair and not in accordance with the principles of administration and law as JKM WPKL was aware that Rumah Bonda was in the process of registration.

On April 20, Rumah Bonda received a compound notice amounting to RM5,000 from JKM WPKL.

According to Siti Bainun, she was disappointed when informed by JKM WPKL that Rumah Bonda could only be opened through a court order although she had paid the fine on April 25.