Babysitter charged with child negligence

KUALA LUMPUR: A babysitter was charged at the Sessions Court here yesterday with child negligence, after a 1-year-old girl under her care sustained bruises on both ears.

Single mother Anila Jaya, 50, pleaded not guilty to the charge before judge Emilia Kaswati Mohamad Khalid. She allegedly committed the offence at Seri Perak Apartments in Bandar Baru Sentul, here, between 8am and 7pm on Aug 6.

The charge, under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, carries a fine of not more than RM50,000 or imprisonment of not more than 20 years, or both, if convicted.

The accused, who was not represented, in pleading for minimum bail, said she needed to borrow money from friends as she did not have money to post bail.

The court allowed RM1,000 bail in one surety and fixed Nov 9 for mention.