Judge Izralizam Sanusi set the date after Siti Bainun’s lawyer closed the defence case following testimony by the eighth and final witness, Bernama reported.

Izralizam ordered both parties to file written submissions on April 7 and counter-submissions should be filed on April 14.

Deputy public prosecutors, Nor Azizah Mohamad, Zilfinaz Abbas and Shakira Aliana Alias appeared for the prosecution while Siti Bainun was represented by Farhan Maaruf.

Siti Bainun is facing two charges of neglecting and abusing the 13-year-old girl known as Bella, causing her to suffer physical and emotional injuries.

The Rumah Bonda founder is charged with committing the offence at a condominium unit in Wangsa Maju between February and June 2021.

If convicted under the Child Act 2001, Siti Bainun can be jailed up to 20 years or fined RM50,000 or both.

On Nov 24, the court ordered Siti Bainun to enter her defence after finding that the prosecution had established a prima facie case. She also chose to testify under oath.