KUCHING: Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah is saddened by the report that a six-year-old girl was allegedly beaten to death in Bau recently.
The body of the young victim with disabilities (OKU) was stuffed into a sack and thrown into the bushes by the mother’s boyfriend. It was believed she died after being beaten by the male suspect in an incident that took place in mid-December.
“This is sad. It should not have happened… Whatever problem (they might be) facing, there is always help available,” Fatimah said when contacted.
The minister advised families facing problems and not knowing what to do, to seek help immediately; they can call various help-lines, including her ministry, the Welfare Department as well as non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
She said anyone who feels that they are stressed can call the hotlines, where they will be advised what to do, or referred to a support system.
“All you need to do is (call and) ask for help,” she added.
Meanwhile, children’s commissioner Prof Datuk Noor Aziah Mohd Awal said 80 per cent of child abuse cases reported in 2020 and 2021, involved mothers, fathers, step-parents or their parents’ partners such as boyfriends.
She said there are provisions in the Child Act 2001 that enable the government to take action against parents who neglect their children. Thus, it must be properly implemented.
“Apart from that, children (who have been or suspected of being abused) must be placed at children’s homes under the Welfare Department. These victims must be given counselling or psychiatric treatment, as many abused children suffer prolonged stress and other mental issues,” she added.
Bau district police chief DSP Poge Nyaon said the child’s body was found in bushes at Kampung Kranji, Bau on Jan 4 and a remand order against the 34-year-old female suspect, who is also the victim’s mother, and her partner aged 35, was issued by the Bau Magistrates’ Court.
Both suspects also tested positive for methamphetamine.
He added that the woman (victim’s mother) lodged a police report on Dec 21, as she was afraid to return home because she had been abused by her boyfriend (male suspect).
Meanwhile, federal Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri has also issued a directive to protect the family of the young victim for security reasons under Section 17 of the Children Act 2001.
She also urged members of the public who had information about the case to report to the Talian Kasih hotline at 15999 or WhatsApp at 019-2615999 or contact the nearest district community welfare office to get immediate help.
