Toddler’s death: Seven including parents charged
BUTTERWORTH, Aug 17 — Seven people were charged in a Sessions Court here with negligently causing the death of a toddler in Taman Bukit Minyak near Bukit Mertajam on August 5.
They included the toddler’s parents, Chua Seng Ban and his three-month pregnant wife Lim She Lee, both 35.
The seven pleaded not guilty to causing the death of Chua Wan Zuen, 33 months, through a rash or negligent act, according to a Star Online report.
The other five are the child’s uncle Chua Seng Hoo, 29, aunt Chua Ah Luan, 40, grandmother Ong Soh Guat, 67, and cousins Loke Xim Lin, 21, and a 16-year-old boy.
They were charged under section 304A of the Penal Code with causing death by doing a negligent act not amounting to culpable homicide, which carries a jail term of up to two years or a fine or both upon conviction.
They are charged with committing the offence between 7.50pm and 10.52pm on August 5.
The court set bail at RM4,000 each with one surety.
The Star Online report also said both the parents also claimed trial to a charge under section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 for exposing their child to physical injuries.
Both can be fined up to RM20,000 or jailed not exceeding 10 years or both, upon conviction.
They are charged with committing this offence at the same place and same time.
Bail was set at RM4,000 with one surety each.
The 39-year-old Indonesian maid, who was also detained with the other accused, was not charged and became the prosecution witness.
Sessions Court judge Amernudin Ahmad fixed September 13 for both the cases to be mentioned.
According to news reports, the toddler was killed in a suspected exorcism ritual by members of her family and their Indonesian maid, who believed she was possessed by evil spirits and they allegedly piled up on her.
