SEREMBAN: The three siblings of a six-year-old boy who was allegedly abused by their father and stepmother near here have been put under the care of their maternal grandmother.
State Welfare Department director Rosnah Sardi said the siblings aged four, three and one were all in good health and had not been victims of abuse.
"They are now being looked after by their grandmother in Jempol.
"All three are doing alright and there are no signs to show that they have been abused," she said.
On Wednesday (Sept 13), Jempol police chief Supt Hoo Chang Hook said a couple has been detained for allegedly abusing the six-year-old boy in Bahau.
He said the suspects were arrested on Sept 12 and have been remanded for seven days.
Supt Hoo said a medical examination of the boy showed that he had many scars and 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 boy's 27-year-old father worked at a sawmill while the stepmother was a housewife.
Supt Hoo said the case was being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 which carried a fine of up to RM50,000 or jail up to 20 years or both upon conviction.
Rosnah said her officers were now monitoring the victim's condition.
"The boy is still warded at the Tuanku Ampuan Najihah Hospital in Kuala Pilah and he is in good health.
"His paternal grandmother has also been keeping his company at the ward," she added.
