Cops detain father, stepmother for allegedly abusing boy in Bahau

JEMPOL: Police have detained a couple for allegedly abusing a six-year-old boy in Bahau near here.

District police chief Supt Hoo Chang Hook said the suspects, who are the victim's father and stepmother, were arrested yesterday (Sept 12) and have been remanded for seven days.

"We received information from the public that a boy had run away from home and decided to investigate.

"Police later found the boy, who had injuries all over his body and took him to the Jempol Hospital for treatment," he said in a statement.

Supt Hoo said a medical examination on the boy showed that he had many scars and old injuries and a preliminary probe revealed that the abuse allegedly began in March.

"Apart from being physically assaulted by the couple, they also used a cane and a wooden ladle to hit him.

"The victim has since been transferred to the Kuala Pilah Hospital for further treatment," he said.

He said the boy's 27-year-old father worked at a sawmill while the stepmother was a housewife.

The boy was the oldest of four siblings and the only one allegedly abused.

Supt Hoo said the case is being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 which carries a fine of up to RM50,000 or jail up to 20 years or both upon conviction.