KUANTAN, Oct 11 ― A special court for children here has granted the temporary custody of a 10-year-old boy, who was a victim of abuse when he was chained to a gas cylinder recently, to his biological father.
The 30-day temporary custody order was issued by Magistrate Tengku Elliana Tuan Kamarulzaman after hearing the application from child protection officer of Kuantan Social Welfare Department (JKM) Zalina Yusoff.
Also present during the proceedings were the victim, who was brought from Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital (HTAA), his eldest brother, 16, his biological father, 36, and his stepmother, who is in her 30s.
JKM assistant director (Children’s Division) Azmi Ibrahim said the court made the decision after the father expressed his willingness to look after the boy.
“The father has been given a temporary custody for a month beginning today. During the period we would re-investigate and assess the father’s suitability.
“Many factors will be taken into account before the court decides on the permanent custody,” he said when met by reporters at the court complex after the proceedings here today.
Azmi said the father also expressed his willingness to take care of the boy’s two other brothers aged 16 and 13.
During the proceedings, the victim appeared cheerful and was keen on following his father back to Melaka Tengah.
Meanwhile, Azmi said the victim’s biological mother, 37, had agreed to the court ruling.
“During the previous meeting, his mother did not object to the possibility of the matter (temporary custody given to the father),” he said.
The boy was found chained by the neck to a gas cylinder using a padlock after police broke into the house at Indera Mahkota 1 here last Thursday.
The victim was said to be treated so by his stepfather who is a soldier, for coming home late. ― Bernama
