The lawyers for Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH), Najib Zakaria and Dorina Abdullah, representing Puteri Nurin Amalina Ahmad Daud, 20, informed the court of the matter during today’s case mention before judge Meor Sulaiman Ahmad Tarmizi.

The lawyers also requested a month’s extension to prepare the representations.

On Sept 12, Puteri Nurin pleaded not guilty to four counts of physical abuse of four girls at a daycare in August.

She was accused of pressing a hot metal spoon onto the victims’ arms, causing injuries.

She was charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 for child neglect, which carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to RM50,000, or both, upon conviction.

Najib also appealed to the court to grant Puteri Nurin bail as she was unrepresented when charged on Sept 12.

He said Puteri Nurin was charged in two separate courts on Sept 12, with only one granting bail, and submitted that bail should be allowed to avoid inconsistency in the rulings.

Deputy public prosecutor Intan Noorashikin Nasarudin opposed bail, saying that if it is granted, the prosecution would recommend a sum of RM20,000 for each charge.

Intan Noorashikin also requested that the accused be ordered not to approach the victims and witnesses, to report to the police monthly, and to remain reachable by authorities at all times.

Najib argued that there was no risk of Puteri Nurin contacting the victims, as they were now under the care of the social welfare department.

The judge granted bail of RM40,000 for the two charges and set Dec 3 for the next case mention.