KUALA LUMPUR – The Court for Children has awarded temporary custody of a 3-year-old girl initially under the care of Rumah Bonda founder Siti Bainun Abd Razali to the Social Welfare Department (SWD).
Speaking to press outside the court complex here, Siti Bainun’s lawyer, Nur A’minahtul Mardiah Md Nor, said the court awarded temporary custody of the girl to SWD for three years.
“We will be appealing the decision to the high court.”
Initially, five children were placed under SWD custody after Siti Bainun’s arrest following allegations of abusing a disabled child named Bella.
The custody of the other four children will be decided by the court on November 2, said Nur A’minahtul.
She added that affidavits concerning three of the children were contested, prompting the court to take direct oral evidence from witnesses.
“Siti Bainun has given her examination-in-chief and cross-examination. Now all that’s left is for her re-examination that is scheduled for November 2.”
After today’s hearing, an emotional Siti Bainun was seen hugging the three-year-old girl while crying, expressing her farewell.
Siti Bainun with the birth mothers of all five children filed an application for custody on August 2, naming SWD as respondent.
She lost custody of the five children to SWD shortly after she was arrested over the allegations of abuse.
Last month, Siti Bainun pleaded not guilty to a charge under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 for ill-treatment, neglect, abandonment, or exposure of a child.
If found guilty, she may face imprisonment of up to 20 years or a RM50,000 fine, or both. – The Vibes, October 28, 2021
