22yo caregiver fined RM20,000 for tying toddler to chair in abuse case

Kuching Court Complex (File Photo)

By Dorcas Ting

KUCHING, Feb 4: A 22-year-old childcare worker was today fined RM20,000 by the Sessions Court for abusing a child under her care by tying him to a chair with a cloth, leaving bruises on his body.

She pleaded guilty to the charge before Judge Musli Abdul Hamid.

The incident reportedly occurred at a house on Jalan Hup Kee at around 3pm on Dec 4, 2025.

The worker was charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which carries a maximum penalty of RM50,000, up to 20 years’ imprisonment, or both, if convicted.

The court ordered that failure to pay the fine would result in a 12-month prison sentence.

In addition, she was placed on a three-year good behaviour bond with a RM2,000 surety and a local guarantor under Section 31(2)(a) of the same act.

She was also sentenced to 100 hours of community service to be completed within six months, as stipulated under Section 31(2)(b) of the Child Act 2001.

According to court records, the child’s biological father noticed bruises on his son’s stomach and back when picking him up from the childcare centre. The boy was taken to a clinic, where medical personnel suspected abuse and advised filing a police report.

The childcare worker was arrested on Dec 12, 2025, at her residence. Authorities seized a rattan chair and a torn piece of batik cloth believed to have been used in the abuse. Investigations revealed that she had physically harmed the child, reportedly out of frustration due to his active behaviour.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Asmawi Nur Haqim Mokhtar handled the prosecution, while the worker was represented by lawyer Dennis Chan. — DayakDaily