JOHOR BARU: A child who was allegedly abused by his biological father and the man's girlfriend is being treated at the Hospital Sultanah Aminah (HSA) here.
Johor women, family and community development committee chairman Khairin Nisa Ismail said the victim's sister is currently caring for him in the hospital.
“The two suspects are currently under remand at the Iskandar Puteri district police headquarters to assist with the investigation," she said in a statement on Thursday (Oct 19).
Khairin Nisa said the state government, through the Welfare Department, took serious note of issues related to child abuse.
She hoped the public or the community would continue to show concern and sensitivity towards the issue to curb further occurrences of such cases.
“Go to the nearest Welfare Department office if you have information or details of any abuse case in your area," she said.
She added that concerned citizens may also call the 24-hour “Talian Kasih 15999” hotline provided by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.
It was reported that an eight-year-old boy, believed to be a victim of child abuse, was found naked and locked in a toilet at a flat in Taman Pulai Jaya near here on Friday (Oct 13).
The victim was discovered by a visiting neighbour.
The neighbour informed another neighbour and they referred the case to a non-governmental organisation, which then lodged a police report.
The case is being investigated under Section 31 (1) (a) of the Child Act 2001, which provides a fine of up to RM50,000 or maximum imprisonment of 20 years, or both, if convicted.
