Mahirah Yusof, 40, was accused of deceiving N Jay Letchumy Naidu, 38, into believing she could arrange a baby for adoption, causing Letchumy to pay RM15,950 in instalments to Mahirah in Kepong Baru, Sentul, between Jan 20 and June 7.

The charge was framed under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which provides for a minimum jail term of one year and a maximum of 10 years, along with whipping and a possible fine, upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Hench Goh proposed bail of RM6,000 in one surety, but lawyer Faris Ezani, representing Mahirah, appealed for a lower bail on grounds that she is now unemployed, has four children, and suffers from diabetes and anaemia.

Magistrate Aina Azahra Arifin granted bail at RM5,500 in one surety and set Feb 13 for mention.

Lawyer Reenajit Kaur Golen held a watching brief for Letchumy.