ALOR GAJAH: Police detained a married couple to assist investigations into a suspected child neglect case involving a nine-month-old baby boy injured while under their care in Taman Bukit Tambun Perdana, Durian Tunggal.
Melaka police chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said the baby suffered a bump on the forehead and bruises on the back and has been admitted to the paediatric ward at Melaka Hospital.
"Police received a report at 11.32am on Wednesday (July 15) about physical injuries sustained by the nine-month-old baby boy at a house while under a babysitter's care.
"Following the report, police arrested a 41-year-old man and his 34-year-old wife at about 11.30pm on the same day to assist in investigations," he said in a statement on Thursday (July 16).
He said investigations found the babysitter claimed the baby was injured after bumping his head on the floor and getting stuck under a bed while crawling.
Dzulkhairi said the cause of the injuries is undetermined as the baby is still undergoing a medical examination.
He added both suspects have no previous criminal records and tested negative for drugs.
He said the suspects have been remanded for seven days starting today, and the case is being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001.
"Upon conviction, the offence carries a fine not exceeding RM20,000 or imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both," he said.
He said police view any form of child neglect or abuse seriously and will take firm action against anyone who breaks the law to ensure the welfare and safety of children. — Bernama
