Siti Bainun Sues Social Welfare Department, Seeks To Reopen Rumah Bonda Shelter

The accused in the infamous Bella abuse case of Siti Bainun Ahd Razali has filed a suit against the Federal Territory Social Welfare Department (JKM WPKL) on behalf of the Rumah Bonda Kuala Lumpur Welfare Organisation for a court order to reopen the shelter. Siti Bainun, who is also the chairman of Rumah Bonda is seeking an order from the defendant to remove the seal notice issued 12 July 2021 so that the organisation can use the premise at Taman Setapak for other purposes than as a care centre.

Furthermore, the suit also seeks to claim costs and other relief deemed fit by the court as the sealed notice from JKM WPKL was allegedly made not in accordance with the administrative principles and law. The suit further claims that the sealed notice, which stated that Rumah Bonda at Taman Setapak will be closed under Section 16A(1) of the Care Centres Act 1993 was done unfairly as though Rumah Bonda was not registered under teh Act, the department knew that the shelter was still in the registration process.

As reported by national news agency Bernama, Rumah Bonda filed the suit through Messrs Asiah Abd Jalil Law Chambers at the Magistrate’s Court in Kuala Lumpur on 7 June 2022. The suit named JPM WPKL as the sole defendant.

Siti Bainun Ahd Razali (left).

Previously, Rumah Bonda received a RM5,000 compound notice under Section 21A and Section 24 of the Care Centres Act 1993 on 20 April 2022. Subsequent to that, the shelter paid the compound full a few days later on 25 April 2022.

Siti Bainun asserted,

“As the chairman of Rumah Bonda and representing committee members, I promise that if the court gives an order to remove the seal notice, Rumah Bonda and I will not use the premise as a care centre until it is registered under Section 10 of the Care Centres Act 1993.”

The Rumah Bonda chairman also said that she was disappointed when she was informed by the Welfare Department enforcement officer that the organisation could only be opened by way of a court order although the compound had been paid in full. Siti Bainun said Rumah Bonda still has to pay a monthly rental of RM2,800 despite the premises being vacant since the sealing action on 12 July 2022.

The suit will be heard before Magistrate Nur Syafiqah Noorinda on 22 June 2022.

What do you guys think of this latest development in the Rumah Bonda case? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

Also read: Bella’s Abuse Case: Trial Continues Today, Rina Harun Reminds M’sians To Respect Court Proceeding