A MARRIED couple has pleaded not guilty to charges of physically abusing their 12-year-old daughter, including allegations that she was confined in a dog cage at their condominium home in Bayan Lepas earlier this month.
Chew Kok Wan, 47, and his wife, Mak Wai Peng, 49, entered their plea together before Judge Ahzal Fariz Ahmad Khairuddin at the Sessions Court here on Tuesday.
According to the charge, the accused—who are the legal guardians of the victim—are alleged to have wilfully caused physical harm to the girl, in breach of Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code.
The offence is said to have occurred at approximately 7.30am on 18 May at a condominium in Bayan Lepas.
If found guilty, both accused face a fine of up to RM50,000, a prison sentence of up to 20 years, or both.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Lim Jin Hong led the prosecution, while both accused were represented by lawyer V Parthipan.
In his mitigation plea for lower bail, Parthipan stated that the couple are caregivers to another child and also responsible for elderly, ailing parents.
“The father works as a factory supervisor earning RM5,500 monthly, while the mother is a project manager with a monthly income of RM7,000. She only began working eight months ago and has recently undergone early-stage ovarian cancer surgery at a private hospital, requiring continued medical care,” he said.
“They also have a 15-year-old child and are managing financial obligations including house and car loans,” the lawyer added.
Judge Ahzal Fariz granted bail at RM10,000 for each accused and imposed several conditions: both are barred from contacting the victim or any prosecution witnesses until the conclusion of the trial. They must also surrender their passports to the court and report to the nearest police station monthly.
The court fixed 1 July for the next mention of the case.
It was previously reported that police detained the couple to assist investigations into allegations of child abuse involving their second daughter at their residence in Sungai Ara.
The case came to light after the girl appeared in visible discomfort at school, prompting concern from a school counsellor. Upon examination, injuries were found on her back.
According to statements given, the child alleged that she had been caned multiple times over the past two years and, on occasion, locked in a dog cage. The school’s headmaster subsequently lodged a police report, triggering the investigation. - May 27, 2025
