Judge Mazuliana Abdul Rashid ordered the accused, Nor A’in Ismail, 24, to begin her prison sentence from today, reported Berita Harian.

The court also ordered Nor A’in to post a good behaviour bond of RM2,000 for a period of three years.

She is also required to carry out 120 hours of community service after she completes her prison sentence.

In June, Nor A’in pleaded guilty to a charge of exposing the child to injury, framed under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001.

The offence carries a fine of not more than RM50,000 or imprisonment of up to 20 years, or both, upon conviction.

Under Section 31(2) of the Act, the court must also order the accused, if convicted, to execute a good behaviour bond, with sureties, for a period the court deems fit.

The offence allegedly took place on May 28 at 4.15pm at a nursery in Bandar Mahkota Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.

Defence lawyer S Priyalatha pleaded for her client to be spared a prison sentence as Nor A’in has a two-month-old daughter who is still nursing.

“Her baby also suffers from a heart condition, while my client is undergoing treatment for stage two thyroid cancer at Putrajaya Hospital and the National Cancer Institute,” she said, adding that Nor A’in’s husband works as a nurse while she is currently a full-time housewife.

Priyalatha also highlighted that at the time of the incident, her client was seven months pregnant and experiencing mood swings.

“However, my client sincerely apologise and promise not to repeat her mistake,” she said.

Deputy public prosecutor Faelly Jeffrey Lanjungan asked the court to mete out a severe punishment to serve as a strong deterrent, not only to the accused but to all who managed childcare centres.