KUCHING: An 11-year-old girl who was allegedly physically abused by her adoptive mother in Saratok is now under the care of child protection officers and counsellors, says Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
The Women, Family and Community Development Minister said the victim had been sent to Hospital Saratok for treatment.
"Child protection officers and counsellors are with the victim in the hospital to discuss a temporary placement.
"For now, no visits from anyone else are allowed," she told reporters after closing a heritage leadership programme here on Monday (Feb 9).
She added that the case was now under police investigation.
Police arrested a 47-year-old woman at Jalan Bunga Raya in Saratok, central Sarawak, after a report was lodged on Saturday (Feb 7) by a teacher concerned for the victim's safety.
The child was allegedly hit with a hard object and slapped by her adoptive mother at about 6.30pm on Thursday (Feb 5), resulting in injuries to her face and back.
Police also seized a hose believed to have been used in the incident.
Nancy said her ministry would continue to carry out advocacy programmes, including among children, to raise awareness on child safety and protection.
As a result of the advocacy, she said, many children now knew they could call the Talian Kasih 15999 hotline for help.
"I don't like to see children being abused, but with this hotline the children themselves have called for help.
"This means they understand the process," she said.
Nancy also said the advocacy programmes would include a section on artificial intelligence (AI) this year to improve digital safety.
"We want students to understand what AI is and how it can influence them," she said.
