Mum Who Abused Her Son With Her 2 Friends Says She Put Him In Cage As She Had To Work
The three women together abused the child by kicking him repeatedly.
By Sadho Ram — 11 Nov 2024, 06:08 PM
"I was forced to put my child in a cage because I needed to work," claimed a mother, who was sentenced to 14 days in jail and fined RM10,000 by the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court today, 11 November
The 20-year-old pleaded guilty to abusing her 3-year-old son in February 2024.
Judge Norina Zainal Abidin also ordered the young mother to complete 240 hours of community service within six months, effective once her jail term ends, reported Harian Metro.
Alongside the mother — whose name was not disclosed — two of her friends, Adibah Mohd Zaini, 35, and Nor Azlin Fatin Najihah Lokman, 25, faced similar sentences, after admitting to taking part in the abuse.
According to the charges, the mother and her two friends abused the young boy on 23 February, causing physical injuries
The charge falls under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, read together with Section 34 of the same act. The law carries a maximum fine of RM50,000, up to 20 years' imprisonment, or both upon conviction.
The three women abused the child by kicking him, causing injuries on his forehead, abdomen, back, arms, and legs.
The court was shown video evidence where Adibah was seen kicking the boy repeatedly while Nor Azlin recorded the incident. The victim's mother was present and allowed the abuse to occur.
Earlier, before sentencing, all three women requested to be slapped with fines only, expressing remorse and claiming they had learned from their mistakes after repenting.
Adibah, in her plea, explained that she had two young children at home.
"I ask for a reduced sentence, just a fine, as no one is available to care for them at home, and my husband is working. I don't want to go to jail, and I regret my actions; this is the first and last time I've done anything like this," she told the court.
Nor Azlin also pleaded for leniency, stating that she has ten siblings to support.
"I plead guilty as an accomplice," she said, confirming that she lives in the same house as Adibah.
Meanwhile, in her plea, the boy's mother sought leniency, stating that she regretted her actions but had no choice but to put her son in a cage as she needed to work.
The three women, including the victim's mother, were brought to court in Jalan Duta.
Image via Aswadi AliasBelow is an excerpt of the conversation between the judge and the mother
Judge: Where did you place the cage?
Mother: Behind the kitchen at Adibah's house.
Judge: Why put him in a cage?
Mother: No one could take care of him; I had to go to work.
Judge: What hours do you work?
Mother: From 3pm to 10pm.
Judge: What is your relationship with the victim?
Mother: He’s my biological son.
Judge: Why did you put your child in a cage instead of letting your mother in Penang look after him? You don’t have an answer?
Mother: No.
Judge: What are your plans for your child after this?
Mother: I'll stay in Penang from now on; my mother will take care of him if I need to work.
