Saiful Ikhwan Abdul Rahman, 27, and his wife Nor Azila Sharif Ahmad, 30, the victim’s biological father and stepmother, pleaded not guilty to the charge which was read out separately to them before judge Zul Zakiqudin Zulkifli.

They were charged, as persons having custody of the boy, with neglecting him and causing him to suffer physical harm in Kampung Banggol Manir here between March and Aug 6 this year.

The boy died four days after he was admitted to hospital.

The charge, framed under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, carries a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of RM50,000, or both upon conviction.

The judge allowed the couple bail of RM10,000 with one surety each and ordered them to report to the Manir police station every month. He also prohibited them from disturbing the prosecution witnesses.

The court set Sept 24 for case mention, submission of documents and appointment of lawyers for both suspects.

Deputy public prosecutor Nur Aisyah Mohamad appeared for the prosecution.