Kindergarten assistant Jamia Abd Rahman, 41, and teacher Nur Hanis Azwani Ghazali, 24, were charged with neglecting a four-year-old boy, causing potential physical and emotional harm.

The offence was allegedly committed at Bonda Preschool, No 12-1 & 14-1 Jalan Cheng Indah 8, Taman Cheng Indah, Tanjung Minyak, at about 1.30pm in mid-April this year.

The duo were charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which carries a fine of up to RM50,000 or a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment, or both, if convicted.

Deputy public prosecutor Nur Syazwanie Marizan proposed bail of RM15,000 for each accused, but lawyer Fadil Yusof, who represented them, appealed for a lower bail on grounds that his clients could not afford it.

Judge Rohatul Akmar Abdullah then set bail of RM7,000 in one surety for each accused and fixed July 30 for case re-mention.

In another court before judge Azaroarni Abd Rahman, two more teachers from the same kindergarten – Hafsah Ab Razak, 33, and Nur Diyana Zainudin, 24 – were charged with similar neglect towards a six-year-old boy.

They were accused of committing the offence at the same place in early May at about 12.30pm.

The charge was also framed under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001.

Deputy public prosecutor Nor Asnini Kamarudin suggested bail of RM20,000 for each accused, but Fadil, who also represented the two teachers, appealed for a reduction.

Judge Azaroarni then allowed bail of RM10,000 for each accused, and fixed July 24 for remention.