Awareness on child abuse must be improved, says Che' Puan Besar Khaleeda

JOHOR BARU: Awareness on child abuse should be shared and improved through continuous support from the public, says Johor Crown Prince's Consort Che' Puan Besar Khaleeda Bustamam.

In a recent social media post, Khaleeda said this after a recent case of a seven-year-old boy who was abused in Pasir Gudang here.

"Every little bit matters, regardless how small, as it has the impact of protecting the future of all our children.

"I was informed that the child was rescued by the neighbours and taken to the hospital for treatment.

"The case is being investigated by the police and the Welfare Department," she said in a statement here on Saturday (Aug 12).

Khaleeda also expressed her gratitude to the community and neighbours who rescued the child.

"Their actions have proven how communities can come together and play a role in protecting children in our country.

"This, however, also serves as a reminder for us all that child abuse cases are still an issue that requires our serious attention," she added.

Meanwhile, Johor women's family and community development committee chairman Khairin Nisa Ismail said that police have arrested the couple behind a viral video of an alleged child abuse case in Layangkasa, Pasir Gudang.

"The seven-year-old victim seen in the video is currently under the care of the Welfare Department.

"The case was reported by the residential community in Layangkasa to the police, who were concerned about the child's welfare, on Friday (Aug 11).

"Our initial investigations revealed that the child's mother was living together with her partner, and we believe they were involved in the case."

The woman is a mother of two and the victim was in her custody while the other child is in the care of her ex-husband, she added.

"The mother, aged 27, is a housewife, while her partner, aged 30, is a Singaporean who works as a technician there.

"The Welfare Department has sent the child to be treated at Sultan Ismail Hospital," she said, adding that investigations are being conducted to identify the cause of the child's injuries.

Meanwhile, Seri Alam OCPD Supt Mohd Sohaimi Ishak confirmed a police report was lodged.

Earlier, several videos were circulated on social media showing a child with wounds on his body, with a couple being berated by neighbours.