KUALA LUMPUR – The magistrates’ court here has set October 28 to hear an application by the controversial founder of the Rumah Bonda welfare home to obtain full custody of five children now under the care of the Social Welfare Department.
According to Free Malaysia Today, counsel Nur A’minahtul Mardiah Md Nor, representing the facility’s founder and operator Siti Bainun Ahd Razali, said magistrate Norfarahain Roslan set the date during case mention today.
“The court will then determine who will be given custody of the children involved.”
Nur A’minahtul Mardiah said the court also heard Siti Bainun’s application to quash an interim order that saw the custodial rights over the five children being given to the department, following allegations of abuse against a special needs child named Bella.
“However, the court rejected our application to set aside the interim order as it deemed that it was lawful.”
She said the mothers of three of the children want to retract their affidavits supporting Siti Bainun as they do not understand the contents.
“For that case, the court set November 2 for debate. The court also allowed Siti Bainun to meet the five children.”
The dates mentioned by the court come a month after Siti Bainun entered a not guilty plea at the sessions court over the alleged abuse against Bella.
She is accused of neglecting the girl in a manner likely to cause the child physical or emotional injury, at a condominium in Wangsa Maju between February and June.
The 29-year-old was charged in her capacity as a person having care of the child, and under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which provides for a maximum fine of RM50,000, or imprisonment of up to 20 years, or both, upon conviction. – The Vibes, September 14, 2021
