SEREMBAN: Lolanopita Sadi, 40, the mother of a disabled teenager found in deplorable condition in Nilai in June, was sentenced to four months’ jail and RM10,000 fine for neglecting and leaving her son unattended.
Sessions judge Kamarudin Kamsun said he took into consideration the interests of the victim Muhammad Firdaus Dullah, 15, the accused and the public.
“The well-being of the victim is the main priority. He is dependent on his mother’s love. Without his mother, who else can accept him?”
Kamarudin said all parties must play a role so that cases like this did not recur.
Lolanopita appeared calm when the sentence was passed.
Negri Sembilan prosecution unit chief Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh and deputy public prosecutor Mohd Farid Mohd Mokhtar appeared for the prosecution while the accused was represented by counsel Hanif Hassan and Shaheera Zulkifli.
Terrirudin pressed for a custodial sentence and fine to be imposed, taking into account public interest.
“The accused’s act was gross and barbaric... There is no reason that can justify her reasons.”
Hanif argued that Lolaponita was neglected by her husband, faced problems and could not find a suitable caretaker for Firdaus, and so was forced to leave him in the room for his own safety.
“Lolanopita could not ask for help from the Welfare Department for fear of repercussions as her second marriage was not registered.”
Lolanopita was charged under Section 33 (1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 for child neglect and could have been fined up to RM20,000 or jailed up to 10 years, or both.
She was also charged under Section 33 (c) of the same act for leaving her son unattended and could have been fined up to RM5,000 or two years’ imprisonment, or both.
Both offences were committed in Flat Semarak, Nilai, between January and June 21 this year.
Meanwhile, Negri Sembilan Welfare Department director Abdullah Hanapi said the department would continue to care for Firdaus.
He said Lolanopita could apply for custody from the Court after she finished serving her four-month jail sentence.