A young boy sadly passed away after drowning in a swimming pool in Bandar Baru Sri Klebang while under the care of 2 kindergarten teachers.
The child was reported to have died on April 23, 2023, after fighting for his life for 6 days at Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital (HRPB), as reported by Harian Metro.
The kindergarten teachers left the child unsupervised
2 kindergarten teachers were brought to the Sessions Court today (January 7) on charges of neglecting the young boy, which led to his drowning.
The accused, 60-year-old S P Esther Christina, and 29-year-old M Manisah, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read out before Judge Azizah Ahmad.
The charge stated that the 2 women were responsible for the care of V Thanes Nair, who was about 4 years old at the time of the incident.
They’ve requested a RM2,500 bail each
Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohamad Nazreen Zabarudin suggested a bail of RM15,000 with one surety for each accused, but their lawyers, Gary Xavier and Jason Anthony, asked for it to be reduced to RM2,500 each.
Gary Xavier, representing Esther, explained that she had undergone brain cancer surgery and was still receiving follow-up treatment.
Meanwhile, Anthony, representing Manisah, also asked for a lower bail because his client earns RM1,900 a month and is continuing her studies at the master’s level.
The court allowed a RM3,000 bail for each
The court allowed each accused to be released on bail of RM3,000 with one surety and an additional condition not to interfere with prosecution witnesses until the case is completed.
The offence is charged under Section 33(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, along with Section 34 of the Penal Code.
If found guilty, they could face a fine of up to RM20,000, imprisonment for up to 5 years, or both.
They also face the possibility of doing community service for at least 36 hours, but no more than 240 hours in total.
The case is set for mention on April 8, 2025.
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Also read: PDRM: Infant in Kelantan Drowns After Parents Insisted on Staying at Home Despite Rising Floodwaters