Court increases Rosmaini’s jail term to 14 years for assaulting ex-wife

PUTRAJAYA - The Court of Appeal has increased the jail term of businessman Rosmaini Abd Raof, 43, from 10 to 14 years for causing severe injuries to his third ex-wife, Jahidah Nordin, 47, leaving her in a coma five years ago.

A three-judge panel, chaired by Datuk Azman Abdullah and comprising Datuk Noorin Badaruddin and Datuk Mohd Radzi Abdul Hamid, allowed the prosecution’s appeal and imposed the maximum sentence.

In delivering the unanimous decision, Noorin said that in addition to the prison term starting today, the appellant, Rosmaini, must pay RM25,000 in compensation to Jahidah through her family members who are caring for her.

Failure to pay the compensation will result in an additional six months’ imprisonment.

She said the case warranted the maximum sentence under the law as it reflects the seriousness of the offence, serves justice and sends a strong message to society.

“A 10-year prison sentence is clearly insufficient.

“This is not a typical case of causing grievous injury; rather, the facts show a cruel and prolonged assault by a husband against his pregnant wife,” she said.

On June 17, 2021, Rosmaini was charged at the Johor Bahru Sessions Court and pleaded not guilty to intentionally causing injury to Jahidah by striking her head, face and hands and stomping on her back, resulting in severe injuries.

Jahidah, a former government employee, was treated at Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar (HTJ) in Seremban after receiving initial treatment in the Intensive Care Unit at Hospital Sultanah Aminah (HSA).

She later safely delivered a baby boy, Eshan Nufail, via surgery on November 30, 2021. The child has been certified as a person with disabilities (OKU).