A 35-year-old Rohingya woman was brought before the Magistrates’ Court in Melaka on Wednesday over allegations that she injured a one-year-old baby boy in September.
However, no plea was recorded from Shofikah Abdul Shukur after she told the court she did not understand Malay or English.
Magistrate Sharda Shienha Mohd Suleiman fixed Nov 11 for the appointment of a Rohingya interpreter to ensure the charge could be read out and understood by the accused.
According to the charge, Shofikah allegedly intentionally injured the one-year-old Myanmar national by slapping his face several times, tying up his hands and legs, and slamming him onto the floor.
The alleged incident took place at about 11.48am on Sept 30 at a house in Pulau Melaka, within the Melaka Tengah district.
The charge was brought under Section 323 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum jail term of two years, a fine of up to RM2,000, or both upon conviction.
The prosecution was handled by Inspector Nur Zaidah Muhamad Zailani, while Shofikah was represented by lawyer Nigel Tai. Bail was not offered.
Meanwhile, another 25-year-old Rohingya woman also faces a charge related to the same case.
Proceedings against the second woman were postponed to Nov 11 to allow a Rohingya interpreter to be arranged, after she likewise told the court she did not understand Malay or English. Bail was also not offered to her.
