Thu Sep 12 04:38:00 UTC 2024: ## Teenager Faces Child Abuse Charges in Negri Sembilan
**SEREMBAN, Sept 12** – A 19-year-old woman, Puteri Nurin Amalina Ahmad Daud, has been charged with four counts of physically abusing children at a childcare center in Rasah, Negri Sembilan. The alleged abuse involved using a hot spoon to cause burns and injury on the arms of four victims, aged between five and six.
Puteri Nurin, who was employed as a childcare assistant, allegedly committed the offenses in August 2024. She pleaded not guilty to all charges in separate Sessions Courts presided over by Datin Surita Budin and Meor Sulaiman Ahmad Tarmizi.
The accused, who faces up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of RM50,000 for each charge under the Child Act 2001, was initially granted bail of RM40,000 for the first two charges. However, the second court, considering the severity of the alleged offenses against young children, denied bail for the remaining two charges.
The prosecution, citing the seriousness of the case and the need to protect the victims, did not offer bail in both courts. They also requested the accused be barred from contacting the victims and witnesses.
Puteri Nurin, who claimed to have only been working at the center for five months and earning a monthly allowance of RM300, requested a light sentence. She also cited suffering from migraines and spinal aches as mitigating factors.
The case has been adjourned to October 18 for remention and for Puteri Nurin to appoint a lawyer.
This incident comes amidst a recent large-scale operation by the police in Selangor and Negri Sembilan, where 402 children were rescued from 18 care homes suspected of abuse and neglect. 171 suspects, including a teacher and dorm caretakers, were arrested. The operation, known as Ops Global, highlighted the ongoing issue of child abuse and neglect in Malaysia.
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