KOTA KINABALU: A father has been arrested for allegedly hitting his teenage daughter because of a dispute with his ex-wife, leaving the girl bruised and traumatised.
The 42-year-old suspect is said to have hit his 14-year-old daughter, who was under the care of her grandmother in Tawau, with an object on her left ear and body on Monday (July 14).
Tawau deputy OCPD Supt Champin Piuh said the girl then contacted her mother, who lives here, to tell her about the incident.
The mother lodged a police report here at 5.41pm the same day.
Supt Champin said the suspect was arrested about three hours later in the district police headquarters compound.
“The motive is believed to be a disagreement between the suspect and his ex-wife over an accusation made in front of their daughter,” he told the media on Wednesday (July 16).
He said police also seized the object believed to have been used during the assault.
“The victim sustained bruises on several parts of her body and has been traumatised by the incident,” he added.
Further investigation found that the suspect had two offences on his criminal record for causing loss or damage to property, and fighting in a public place.
Supt Champin said one of the offences also resulted in a conviction, but did not disclose which one.
“The assault case is now being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 for child abuse, neglect and exposure to harm,” he added.
He also reminded parents not to let domestic disputes lead to the abuse of children.
“Any form of physical or emotional abuse towards children can have long-term effects and legal consequences.
“Anyone with information about child abuse cases should report them to the police so that immediate investigation and action can be taken,” he said.
