Housewife jailed 17 years for causing adopted baby daughter’s death

KUALA LUMPUR: A housewife broke down in tears after the sessions court here today sentenced her to 17 years’ imprisonment for causing the death of her adopted seven-month-old daughter through repeated acts of abuse last year.

Judge Siti Shakirah Mohtarudin handed down the sentence on Siti Subrina Imran, 39, after she pleaded guilty to the charge. The court ordered that the prison term take effect from the date of her arrest on July 31, 2025.

She was charged with causing the death of the baby at a condominium unit on Jalan Sri Permaisuri, Cheras, between 10pm on July 29, 2025 and 7am on July 30, 2025.

The charge was framed under Section 304(a) of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 30 years and a fine upon conviction.

According to the case facts, police received a report from the accused’s husband stating that their adopted daughter had become unconscious. Upon arriving at the residence, officers found the victim lying motionless on her back in a baby cot inside a room.

Examinations revealed bruising across the victim’s face and body.

Investigations also found that the accused had physically abused the infant by pinching, slapping and biting her. The case facts further stated that she had smoked methamphetamine and blown the smoke into the baby’s mouth.

Police also recovered WhatsApp messages sent by the accused to her husband, including one stating: “I left that child bruised and half dead.”

Deputy public prosecutor Wafa Zainal Abidin urged the court to impose a severe and proportionate sentence, stressing that the offence involved the death of a seven-month-old baby who was entirely dependent on adults for care and protection.

“However, the person entrusted to safeguard the child became the cause of her suffering and death.

“The repeated acts of physical abuse against the victim demonstrate intentional conduct. The sentence imposed should send a clear message to the accused and society that child abuse resulting in death will not be treated lightly by the court,” she said.

During mitigation, Siti Subrina, unrepresented, told the court that she has a child with disabilities who suffers from heart disease.

“My husband has also left me,” she said tearfully.