KUCHING: The Social Welfare Department has taken action in a case involving a six-year-old girl who was injured after allegedly being thrown into a drain by her father in Saratok.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said child protection officers had visited the victim, who is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
“The case remains under police investigation and, at this stage, the child’s father has been detained to assist in the probe. It is understood that both parents are in the process of divorcing and are scheduled to appear in court tomorrow.
“The court will determine the issue of temporary custody after carefully assessing the family’s circumstances,” she said after attending the “Ramadan Prihatin” programme here yesterday, Bernama reported.
She said the department would continue to monitor the case and was prepared to take further action if necessary.
“If no suitable guardian is identified, the child may be placed under the department’s care,” she said.
Saratok police chief Deputy Supt Mathew Manggie was reported as saying that the child’s mother, who witnessed the incident on Wednesday, lodged a police report. The 43-year-old suspect, believed to be under the influence of drugs, was arrested the following day.
