Girl in hospital, as parents charged with child abuse
Facing the judge: Chew (right) and wife Mak being escorted by police to the Sessions Court in Balik Pulau, Penang. — Sin Chew Daily
BALIK PULAU: A 12-year-old girl, believed to be abused by her parents who have been charged in court, is receiving treatment in hospital.
The Year Six pupil, who suffered physical injuries, has been placed under the care of her grandmother.
Chew Kok Wan, 47, and wife Mak Wai Peng, 49, claimed trial when the charge was read before Sessions Court judge Ahzal Fariz Ahmad Khairuddin, here yesterday.
They are accused of committing the offence at their high-rise residence in Bayan Lepas at about 7.30am on May 18.
The charge under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 deals with abuse, neglect, abandonment or exposure of a child in a manner likely to cause physical or emotional injury.
If convicted, the couple face a fine of up to RM50,000, a jail term not exceeding 20 years or both.
Deputy public prosecutor Lim Jin Hong urged the court to set bail at RM20,000 for each charge and wanted them to report to the nearest police station every month.
'I also request that the accused be ordered to refrain from disturbing the victim and surrender their passports to the court,' he said.
Lawyer V. Parthipan pleaded for a lower bail, saying his clients risked losing their jobs if they are absent from work if remanded.
Chew works as a factory supervisor with a monthly salary of RM5,500, while Mak is a project manager at a factory earning RM7,000 monthly.
'Despite their combined income, the husband supports his elderly mother and their 15-year-old son who is in secondary school, besides servicing their car and housing loans.
'The wife recently had initial surgery for ovarian cancer and requires ongoing treatment at a private hospital,' he said.
The judge set bail at RM10,000 each and ordered both accused not to disturb the victim or prosecution witnesses until the case is concluded.
The court also ordered them to surrender their passports and report to the nearest police station every month.
Mention was fixed for July 1. The couple posted bail.
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