Che Puan Khaleeda visits Bella

JOHOR BAHRU - The wife of the Tunku Mahkota of Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, Che Puan Khaleeda Bustamam spent some time with abuse victim Bella in a private event here on Friday.

Bella a 13-year-old girl with Down Syndrome had been mistreated and abused while under the care of the founder of Rumah Bonda, Siti Bainun.

The meeting was shared on Che Puan Khaleeda's Facebook and Instagram accounts, where she uploaded several pictures of her visit with Bella and her friends.

Through the posts, Che Puan Besar Khaleeda informed that Bella, has been relocated to Johor Bahru.

"At this time, Bella has been transferred to Johor Bahru and is adapting to her new surroundings and environment.

"Appreciation and thanks are extended to all those involved in making this happen, especially the Women's Exco, Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, Khairin-Nisa Ismail, and the Johor Department of Social Welfare," said Che Puan Khaleeda in her posts.

Che Puan Khaleeda is one of the outspoken individuals advocating for child abuse cases involving special needs children like Bella.

On May 3rd, Che Puan Khaleeda expressed her gratitude towards activists, the appointed lawyer by Tunku Ismail, the prosecution team, and individuals concerned with the case involving the teenager.

Recently the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court Judge, Izralizam Sanusi, sentenced Siti Bainun to 10 years in prison for the charge of neglect and 12 years in prison for the charge of abuse.

However Siti Bainun will serve a 12-year prison sentence, starting from May 3rd, as the sentences were ordered to run concurrently.

The court also ordered the defendant to sign a bond of good behavior for five years with a surety of RM5,000.

Siti Bainun was also directed to perform 200 hours of community service, to be completed within six months after the completion of her prison sentence.

Bella had suffered injuries such as burns on her hands, chest, thighs, and other parts of her body with visible scarring from old wounds.