JOHOR BARU: An eight-year-old boy allegedly abused and neglected by his father and girlfriend is recovering well at the Sultanah Aminah Hospital.
Women, Family, and Community Development Committee chairman Khairin Nisa Ismail said the boy's elder sister now cared for him, and she is at his hospital bedside.
Last Friday (Oct 13), the boy believed to have been abused was discovered in a weak and naked state, confined within the restroom of his family's home in Taman Pulai Jaya, in Iskandar Puteri.
The victim's situation came to light when a neighbour who dropped by the victim's house shared what he saw with other residents, and the neighbour alerted the police.
"The boy's biological father and his girlfriend are held at the Iskandar Puteri district police headquarters to facilitate investigations," Khairin Nisa said in a statement today.
She urged the public and the community to stay attentive and compassionate towards this issue to prevent future reoccurrences.
"The state government, via the Welfare Department, is committed to addressing child abuse cases. We hope those who suspect any children are in harm's way come forward.
"It is okay if your suspicions do not translate into an actual incident, but it is always better to be safe than sorry," she said.
"If you have any information or encounter abuse in your respective housing estates, do not hesitate to contact the nearest Welfare Department office.
"Concerned individuals can reach out to the 24-hour `Talian Kasih' 15999 hotline, established by the Women, Family, and Community Development Ministry."
The case is investigated under Section 31 (1) (a) of the Child Act 2001, which imposes a fine of up to RM50,000, a maximum 20-year- imprisonment term, or both, if the culprits are convicted.