FOUR years after Baby Syifaa's death, the Seremban Sessions Court today sentenced the babysitter to one year in prison and a fine of RM15,000.
Judge N Kanageswari handed down the sentence to Khairunnisa Ahmad Damamhuri, 41, who was charged with neglecting the 15-month-old baby at a care centre in Bandar Sri Sendayan.
He ordered the sentence to begin on Monday and an additional four months in prison if the accused failed to pay the fine.
In addition, the accused was also ordered to carry out 48 hours of community service within six months upon completion of her prison sentence and a one-year good behaviour bond of RM5,000 without collateral with a family member as guarantor.
The accused was represented by lawyer S Kavittha, while the prosecution was led by Negeri Sembilan prosecution director Ku Hayati Ku Haron.
Also present were Baby Syifaa's parents, Anida Idrus, 44, and Yuseri Yusoff, 42.
According to the charge, Khairunnisa, as the person who had custody of the girl, Nour Rania Asyifaa Yuseri, aged 15 months, neglected the victim in a manner that was likely to cause her physical harm.
The offence was allegedly committed at about 12.30 pm in Bandar Sri Sendayan on February 22, 2022.
The accused was charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Children's Act 2001 and can be punished under the same section.
If convicted, the accused can be sentenced to imprisonment not exceeding 20 years or a maximum fine of RM50,000 or both.
On July 31, 2024, the Coroner’s Court ruled that the child’s death, after she was found unconscious in a cradle at the centre, was caused by pressure to the neck.
A total of 28 witnesses, including the child’s parents, testified during the inquest proceedings, which began on September 22, 2022. – March 30, 2026
