Manuel Pangawat, 36, and Easta Masa Pengala, 40, both Indonesian nationals, made their plea after the charge against them was read before judge Rohatul Akmar Abdullah.

The couple was jointly accused, as the victim’s guardians, of having abused her to the point of physical injury, Utusan Malaysia reported.

The offence was allegedly committed at a house on Jalan Kota Laksamana 1/5 in Taman Kota Laksamana, Melaka Tengah, from the end of April until June 23.

They face up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to RM50,000, or both, if convicted under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 31(1) of the code.

Deputy public prosecutor Nazrin Ali Rahim did not offer bail, but proposed RM50,000 for each of the accused and several conditions should the court decide to impose bail.

Manuel pleaded for bail as he needs to work to settle his debts, while Easta said their child’s body has yet to be buried and remains at the Melaka Hospital’s forensic department.

The court allowed bail of RM15,000 for Manuel and RM20,000 for Easta, and set Aug 4 for handover of the autopsy and chemical report, and for the appointment of lawyers.