JEMPOL: Police are looking for a couple and their 21-year-old daughter to assist in a probe into the alleged abuse of a five-year-old victim here.
District police chief Supt Hoo Chang Hook said police started the investigation after receiving a report from the victim's mother on Wednesday (July 27), claiming that the girl had been abused.
"Preliminary investigations have revealed the victim suffered injuries, swellings and burn marks and had old scars all over her body.
"The three individuals disappeared before the police report was launched," he said in a statement Friday (July 29).
He said police were looking for the victim's uncle and aunt and their daughter from Taman Seri Mahsan, Bandar Seri Jempol to assist in the probe.
He said the victim's mother sent the girl to the couple to be cared for as she worked in another state.
The victim has since been warded at Hospital Kuala Pilah for treatment, he added.
Supt Hoo said the alleged abuse started on May 26 and the victim was rescued by another aunt.
"The trio have since disappeared and we have set up a team to track them down.
"We appeal to anyone who has information on the suspects to contact us and all information will be treated in strict confidence," he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001.
Offenders can be fined up to 20 years or jailed up to 10 years or both upon conviction.