A 22-year-old woman pleaded guilty at the Melaka Sessions Court today after admitting to giving custody of her three month old baby in exchange for RM2,000 last month.
The accused, identified as Yan Chin Ding, entered the plea before Judge Rohatul Akmar Abdullah at the Ayer Keroh court.
However, sentencing has been postponed to October 14 while the prosecution submits the case facts.
What happened
According to the charge, Yan was involved in a transaction where she agreed to hand over her baby girl, who was three months and 12 days old at the time, to a couple aged 51 and 35.
According to Malaysia Gazette, the exchange allegedly took place at a laundromat in Banda Kaba, Melaka Tengah, around 8pm on Sept 17. The couple reportedly paid RM2,000 in cash.
If convicted, Yan could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to RM50,000, or both, under Section 48 of the Child Act 2001.
It was understood that Yan is originally from Klang, Selangor, and has two other children aged three and two who are currently cared for by their grandparents.
She had moved to Melaka while pregnant in search of work. During this period, she faced financial difficulties and frequent arguments with her husband.
Eventually, she allegedly decided to secretly hand over the baby to a couple from Perak.
Prosecution & bail
Deputy Public Prosecutor Nor Asnini Kamarudin requested bail to be set at RM30,000.
Yan, who did not have legal representation, pleaded for a lower amount, saying she had to take care of her young children and her husband only works as a storekeeper.
The court ultimately set bail at RM8,000 with one surety and required Yan to report to the nearest police station every month until the case is concluded.
The baby has since been placed under the care of the Social Welfare Department (JKM) until October 9.
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