The couple accused of abusing a 10-year-old boy on Oct 5 last year maintained their not guilty plea at the Sessions Court in Kuantan today.

Judge Datuk Unaizah Mohd fixed Feb 12 as the new date for mention, to allow the defence to make submissions and present medical reports to the court.

Mohd Farid Fikri Mohamad, 32, and his wife, Fatimah Muhammad Zain, 37, were charged with two counts of abusing the 10-year-old victim, by chaining his neck to a gas cylinder and leaving the victim by himself without having made arrangements for his care.

The first charge was framed under Section 31 (1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 and punishable under Section 31 (1) of the same Act, read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code.

The other charge was under Section 33 (1) (a) of the Child Act 2001 and punishable under Section 31 (1) of the same Act and read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code.

Both charges provide for a maximum fine of RM20,000, or a jail term of up to 10 years, or both, upon conviction.

In the previous proceeding, the court had fixed today for submission of documents and medical reports.

Shahrul Ekhsan Hassim appeared for the prosecution.

The victim, his father and grandmother were present in court.

- Bernama