Mother pleads guilt to charge of abuse over meth-laced baby milk

Police arrested the couple on Sunday after receiving information about the incident reported by Kajang Hospital on Feb 20.

PETALING JAYA: A couple was charged in the sessions court here today with abusing their baby by mixing his milk with meth-laced water.

Nabila Huda Fadli, 34, pleaded guilty, while her husband, Sofian Mustapa Zin, 40, pleaded not guilty before judge Syahliza Warnoh, Berita Harian reported.

According to the charge sheet, the couple allegedly committed the offence against their 16-month-old baby in an apartment at Taman Medan, Petaling Jaya, on Feb 19 at around 6pm.

The charge was framed under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code which provides for a fine not exceeding RM50,000, imprisonment not exceeding 20 years, or both, upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Zuhaini Mahamad Amin proposed bail of RM15,000 for each accused, with additional conditions to report to a nearby police station once a month and not to interfere with witnesses.

However, Sofian appealed for a reduced bail amount, citing an unstable income which he said was used to support his parents and provide for his schoolgoing children.

Nabilah Huda also requested a reduction in bail, citing unemployment and the responsibility of caring for her mother and three children.

The court eventually granted bail of RM5,000 each for the husband and wife.

March 13 was fixed for the presentation of facts and sentencing for Nabila Huda, as well as the appointment of an attorney and case mention for Sofian.

The couple was arrested on Sunday after police received information about the incident reported by Kajang Hospital on Feb 20.

Both husband and wife were remanded for seven days.