KUALA LUMPUR: Rumah Bonda welfare home founder, Siti Bainun Ahd Razali was again charged at the Sessions Court here – this time with mistreating a 13-year-old girl with Down syndrome.

       Siti Bainun, 29, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge which was read out to her before judge Izralizam Sanusi.

       She was alleged to have committed the offence at a condominium unit in Wangsa Maju between February and June this year.

       The charge under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 carries a maximum fine of RM50,000 or imprisonment for up to 20 years, or both, upon conviction, reported Bernama.

       On Aug 20, Siti Bainun pleaded not guilty to a charge of neglecting the girl in a manner likely to cause her physical and emotional injuries at the same location and between the same time frame.

       The court allowed bail for RM5,000 with one surety and she was also ordered not to intimidate the witness, as well as to surrender her passport and to report herself at the nearest police station.

       The court also set 15 days for the trial beginning March 30 next year.

       Deputy public prosecutor Noor Shakira Aliana Alias appeared for the prosecution while Siti Bainun was represented by lawyers Datuk Farhan Maaruf and Nur Aminahtul Mardiah Md Nor.