SIBU, Aug 30 — Sarawak Women, Children and Community Wellbeing Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah will instruct the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and Early Childhood Development Division (BPAK) to closely monitor developments in the case of a boy who is believed to have been slashed to death here last Friday.

She said this was to ensure that the family affected by the tragedy received appropriate welfare support and psychosocial assistance.

“I am deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic incident that resulted in the death of a child in Sibu.

“My condolences go out to the victim’s family. No child should ever be a victim of violence under any circumstances. The loss of a child is a deeply painful tragedy for any family,” she said in a statement today.

Fatimah said she was informed that police investigations were underway and that a suspect had been remanded to assist in the investigation.

Therefore, she urged all parties to allow police to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation without interference.

Fatimah also urged the public not to spread unconfirmed information, pictures or speculation, which could add to the grief of the victim’s family and potentially interfere with the investigation.

“For now, let us pray that the victim’s family and all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy will be given strength and perseverance,” she said.

A five-year-old boy died after he was believed to have been slashed in an incident at a house in Jalan Rantau Panjang Jaya here last Friday.

Sibu district police chief ACP Abang Zainal Abidin Abang Ahmad said a man in his late 40s had been remanded for six days until September 4, and the case was being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code. — Bernama