SIBU: Police have opened an investigation into an alleged case of neglect and abuse involving a child, following a report lodged by a local woman on December 9.
Sibu OCPD Asst Comm Zulkipli Suhaili said the report was received at about 10am, in which the complainant claimed she had been subject to neglect and abuse by her own family since 2013.
Before the woman, identified as Wang Qiu Yue, passed away due to cancer at Sibu Hospital on Jan 18, she had written a letter addressed to her father.
Her sister shared the letter on social media to highlight the situation and draw public attention to the issue of family abuse.
“Based on the report received, police have opened an investigation paper and carried out preliminary investigations, including obtaining information from the complainant and related parties, to ascertain the facts of the matter,” he said in a statement on Thursday (Jan 22).
ACP Zulkipli said the case is being investigated under Section 31(1) of the Children Act 2001, which carries a penalty of a fine not exceeding RM50,000, imprisonment of up to 20 years, or both, upon conviction.
He also stressed that the investigation is being conducted in a thorough, transparent and professional manner.
“The public is advised not to speculate or disseminate unauthorised information that could affect the investigation and the sensitivity of the case, especially as it involves children,” he said.
