Did Siti Bainun physically abuse Bella under her care?

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Siti Bainun Denies Physically Abusing Bella in Her Care

Siti Bainun Ahd Razali, the founder of Rumah Bonda, has stated in court that she never physically abused the teenager known as Bella while Bella was under her care. She claims that medical examinations found Bella to be in good health, with normal lung, abdomen, and leg conditions, which she argues contradicts allegations of abuse. Siti Bainun further provided explanations for specific injuries Bella sustained, attributing them to altercations with another resident and asserting that she sought appropriate medical treatment for the child.
Claims Regarding Physical Injuries

Siti Bainun asserted that she never stepped on or kicked Bella’s stomach, presenting hospital examination findings as evidence of Bella's good health. She stated that a doctor at Kuala Lumpur Hospital found Bella’s lungs, abdomen, and legs to be in normal condition. Siti Bainun further claimed that bite marks on Bella’s stomach were the result of a fight over facial wash with another resident named Balqis, and that she treated these marks with sea cucumber ointment and cream. Regarding burn marks from hot water, she stated that these were treated with medicine bought based on clinic and pharmacy advice, with wounds healing within a month, except for those on Bella’s wrists.
Treatment and Denials of Abuse

Siti Bainun maintained that she took Bella to a clinic for burn treatment and denied abusing Bella. She argued that if she had intended to harm Bella, she would not have sought out and paid for the best available medicines and treatments. She stated that she spent money on necessary items and the best medicines to treat Bella, acting as any mother would for her child. Siti Bainun also denied allegations that she treated another resident, Yasmin, like a slave, stating that Yasmin was like her own child and that Yasmin’s diary indicated affection.
Context of the Trial

Siti Bainun is currently on trial and was ordered to enter her defence on charges of neglecting and abusing Bella. These alleged offences are said to have occurred in a condominium unit in Wangsa Maju between February and June 2021. The charges against her are framed under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which carries a potential penalty of imprisonment for up to 20 years, a fine of RM50,000, or both, if found guilty. The trial is scheduled to continue on February 20.

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Did Siti Bainun physically abuse Bella under her care?

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