KAJANG: Police have said initial investigations into the death of a child and the hospitalisation of two others, believed to have been exposed to methadone, indicated the incident was not intentional.
Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Shazeli Kahar said investigations were focusing on possible elements of negligence.
“At this stage, our findings showed no element of deliberate or intentional action. It appeared to be a case of negligence. However, investigations are still ongoing,” he said at a press conference after the Selangor Police Chief’s Walkabout Langkah Selamat: Santuni Komuniti Kajang at the Kajang Stadium MRT station here on Saturday (Feb 14).
Comm Shazeli said preliminary investigations revealed the methadone belonged to the children’s father and was obtained legally as part of prescribed treatment.
“The medication was for the father’s personal use. There was a possibility of negligence, perhaps in the haste of handling it or due to other factors, which led to it ending up in the child’s possession,” he said.
On the condition of the two surviving children, he said both showed positive signs of recovery but remained under close medical observation.
“Alhamdulillah, their condition was improving, but doctors had yet to determine when they could be discharged,” he said.
He added that the children’s parents were released on police bail to allow them to manage family matters, particularly arrangements related to the deceased child.
On Wednesday (Feb 11), media reports said an 11-year-old child died while two siblings aged nine and five were admitted to the intensive care unit at Hospital Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin after they were believed to have consumed methadone at their home in Sungai Ramal, Kajang.
The incident came to light after the three children were rushed to hospital unconscious.
Following the incident, their parents, aged 35 and 44, were detained to assist in investigations.
The case was being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001.
Earlier, Comm Shazeli announced that 3,100 personnel were mobilised for a comprehensive crime prevention operation in conjunction with the Chinese New Year festive season.
“We would increase police presence in residential areas to ensure the safety of residents’ property.
“The public was also urged to channel information on crimes, complaints or notifications of balik kampung travel plans via the Volunteer Smartphone Patrol (VSP) application, by filling out a form at the nearest police station, or by contacting the nearest district police headquarters operations room,” he said. – Bernama
