DUNGUN, May 11 — A wood cutter at a factory here has been remanded for seven days until May 17 on suspicion of abusing his five-year-old stepson in Kampung Besol Baru, Bukit Besi, in April.

Acting Dungun police chief DSP Jumaidy Bah Chong Weh said the 36-year-old man was arrested yesterday and brought to the Magistrate's Court here today for a remand order. 

He said the arrest followed a police report lodged by the victim's 30-year-old biological mother at the Bukit Besi police station at 5.36 pm yesterday.

"The mother noticed burn marks on her son's left ring finger. He told her that the suspect had used a lighter to burn it because he was being naughty. The suspect also admitted to the act.

"A physical examination of the victim found healed wounds on the finger, but no other injuries were found," he added in a statement today.

Jumaidy added that the victim's mother also reported that on May 3, the boy had told a family member that the suspect had allegedly choked his neck and stepped on his stomach. However, no witnesses were present during the incident.

Following that, Jumaidy said the victim, who attends a kindergarten in Bukit Besi, was taken to Dungun Hospital for examination at 8 pm yesterday.

"The suspect, who has no prior criminal record and tested negative for drugs, was arrested at 5.50 pm," he said.

He added that the case is being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 for child abuse.  — Bernama