SP Esther Christina, 60, and M Manisah, 29, pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them before judge Azizah Ahmad, Berita Harian reported.

They were accused of leaving V Thanes Nair without proper supervision and care for an unreasonable period.

The offence was allegedly committed at a kindergarten in Bandar Baru Sri Klebang, Chemor, at about 10.07am on April 17, 2023.

The charge was framed under Section 33(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, read with Section 34 of the Penal Code. If found guilty, they could face up to five years’ imprisonment, a fine of not more than RM20,000, or both.

They may also be liable to community service for a minimum of 36 hours and a maximum of 240 hours in total. This must be completed within six months of the date of the order, and will be subject to any conditions set by the court.

The prosecution was handled by deputy public prosecutor Nazreen Zabarudin. Esther was represented by Gary Xavier and Jason Anthony acted for Manisah.

The court set bail at RM3,000 with one surety for each accused, with the additional condition that they must not tamper with the witnesses.

The court also fixed April 8 for case re-mention.

Last year, a different sessions court granted Esther a discharge not amounting to an acquittal. This was to make way for her to be jointly accused with Manisah today.

On July 12, 2023, Esther was charged with the same offence at the magistrates’ court in Ipoh. However, she was given a discharge not amounting to an acquittal by magistrate Siti Nora Sharif.