Mother might be granted temporary custody of battered girl

PETALING JAYA: The battered five-year-old with cigarette burns on her private parts may soon go home to her mother.

Women, Family and Community Develop­ment Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim said a temporary custody order might be granted to the divorcee.

Doctors at the hospital in Kota Baru who examined the girl said she had suffered broken ribs, an indented backbone, and had injuries all over her body.

“I am shocked and feel sad over what has happened,” said Rohani in a statement.

She said she had directed the Welfare Department to further investigate the horrendous abuse.

“Initial investigations showed the child is in trauma, with injuries all over her body,” she said, adding that Pasir Mas Welfare personnel had visited the girl, who was currently undergoing treatment at Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital.

Rohani said the victim had been staying with her father after her parents divorced two years ago.

“The mother claimed there were no marks of abuse on her daughter when she saw her last year during the month of Ramadan,” she added.

Rohani said the Welfare Department was looking into obtaining temporary custody order for the mother if she was found to be suitable.

She added that the mother would receive counselling and guidance to help her traumatised child.