A 9-year-old girl in Seremban was rescued by police after she was allegedly confined in a storeroom behind her foster family’s home throughout the recent school holidays.
According to Seremban district police chief ACP Mohd Yatim Osman, police received a report at 7.22pm on June 7 regarding a child who was allegedly locked in an unlocked storeroom at a house in Taman Tuanku Jaafar, Seremban.
Allegedly given only two meals a day
Initial investigations found that the girl had been under the care of the family since she was 1 year and 8 months old.
During the recent school holidays from May to June, she was allegedly placed in the storeroom behind the house and given food only twice a day.
Police said the girl was only allowed to enter the house when she needed to use the toilet, after which she was allegedly instructed to return to the storeroom.
Allegedly scolded and beaten over small matters
Investigations also revealed that the girl was allegedly often scolded and beaten by her adoptive mother over minor matters, including for taking food at night.
According to Oriental Daily, police rescued the girl at around 9.30pm and found injuries on her right cheek and right shoulder.
She was later sent to Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar Seremban for treatment.
46yo woman arrested
Police have since arrested a 46-year-old woman to assist in investigations.
The case is being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which involves neglect, abandonment or exposure of a child in a manner likely to cause physical or emotional injury.
Police also said they would apply for the suspect’s remand at the Seremban Magistrate’s Court.
Members of the public with information on the case are urged to contact investigating officer Insp Zulfitri Abd Razak at 06-6033222 or any nearby police station.
