The 52-year-old woman pleaded not guilty after the charge was read to her before judge Wan Suhaila Mohd in the Chukai sessions court, Bernama reported.

The woman, who had custody of the 15-year-old girl, is alleged to have neglected her, resulting in physical injuries.

The offence was allegedly committed at 5.30pm at a restaurant in Binjai between March and May 22.

She was charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which provides for a fine of up to RM50,000, imprisonment for up to 20 years, or both, upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Noor Asyikin Hashim appeared for the prosecution, while the accused was unrepresented.

The court granted the woman bail of RM6,000 in one surety and fixed July 1 for the next case mention.