A couple who are married to each other have been handed a two-year jail sentence by the Sessions Court in Kuala Pilah after admitting to physically abusing a six-year-old boy. Muhammad Aizat Zolkepli, 27, and Siti Norshakina Mohd Noor, 31, did not contest the charge when it was read to them in front of Judge Norma Ismail on September 21. Muhammad Aizat, who is employed at a sawmill in Bahau, is the father of the boy, while Siti Norshakina is his stepmother. Their offense took place between March and September 12 at their home in Rumah Rakyat Jambu Lapan in Bahau.
Under Section 31 (1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, combined with Section 34 of the Penal Code, the charge carries a maximum penalty of a fine of up to RM50,000 or 20 years’ imprisonment or both if convicted. The judge also ordered both individuals to enter a good behavior bond of RM2,000 with one surety for a period of two years, and each to serve 80 hours of community service.
The couple, who were not represented by a lawyer, expressed remorse for their actions and appealed for leniency. Muhammad Aizat acknowledged that he had not been a good father or husband, while his wife highlighted the needs of their other young children.
Despite their abusive behavior towards the six-year-old victim, the couple’s other three children have not been harmed. Deputy public prosecutor Peh Fong Xi asked the court to impose a strong sentence as a deterrent. “This is a serious offense, and the court must deliver a severe punishment to send a message to others,” he said. The victim, who is only six years old, sustained injuries all over his body.
The victim, who was unable to defend himself, was compelled to run away from home as a result of the repeated abuse. The couple was apprehended by the police on September 12 following a report from a member of the public. Subsequently, the boy was found and taken to Hospital Jempol for medical treatment.
A medical examination revealed numerous scars and old injuries, with an initial investigation indicating that the abuse began in March.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
