A MEMBER of the armed forces has been charged in the Sessions Court in Kota Bharu over allegations that he physically abused his 10-year-old son in an incident that allegedly left the child injured and emotionally traumatised.
The accused, identified as 42-year-old Zainudin Zainal Abidin, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read before Judge Zulkifli Abdullah today.
According to the charge sheet, Zainudin allegedly abused the boy, who was aged 10 years and one month at the time, by kicking him in the stomach and slapping his face in an act that could have caused physical injury and emotional distress.
The alleged offence was said to have taken place at a house in Kampung Kijang near here at about 7.30pm on May 11 last year.
He was charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, punishable under Section 31(1) of the same Act, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to RM20,000, or both upon conviction.
The prosecution was conducted by deputy public prosecutor Nur Kamilah Che Ibrahim, while the accused was represented by defence counsel Samsul Bahrin.
Earlier during proceedings, Nur Kamilah requested that no bail be granted to the accused.
However, defence lawyer Samsul objected and appealed for lower bail on behalf of his client.
The court later allowed bail at RM10,000 with one surety and fixed June 24 for further mention of the case. - May 24, 2026
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