MELAKA: A married couple allegedly abused their nine-year-old adopted son by burning and scalding him with a lighter and hot water – all because he lost his colour pencils in school.
The Magistrate’s Court in Ayer Keroh issued a six-day remand order against the couple for an investigation under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001.
The Section concerns ill-treatment, neglect, abandonment or exposure of a child in a manner likely to cause harm, with a maximum fine of RM50,000, jail of up to 20 years or both.
A police source said the case came to light after the uncle visited his younger brother’s home in Batu Berendam last Thursday and noticed burn marks on the boy’s right hand and scars on his legs.
He then found out about the alleged abuse which is said to have happened on Oct 29.
The source said the uncle, worried for the boy’s safety, returned the next day under the pretext of taking him for a short outing.
During that time, the boy confided that he had been frequently beaten and punished by his adoptive parents.
The uncle then lodged a report at the Batu Berendam police station, leading to the arrest of the couple on Tuesday.
