KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 — A nine-year-old girl was allegedly confined to a storeroom behind her family’s home in Seremban for weeks, fed only twice a day and subjected to physical abuse, police said today.
The girl, who had been adopted as a toddler, was rescued last night after authorities received a report alleging neglect at a house in Taman Tuanku Jaafar.
Seremban district police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Yatim Osman said preliminary investigations found the child had been made to stay in an unlocked storeroom behind the house throughout the school holidays and was allowed into the house only to use the toilet.
“The victim was only given food twice a day and was allowed into the house to use the toilet before being instructed to return to the storeroom.
“Investigations also found that the victim was frequently scolded and beaten by her adoptive mother for minor offences, including allegedly stealing food at night,” he said in a statement.
Mohd Yatim said police received a report on the incident at 7.22pm yesterday before launching an investigation.
When officers located the girl, they found scratch marks on her shoulder and right cheek.
“The victim was rescued by police at 9.30pm and taken to Tuanku Jaafar Hospital.
“She is still receiving treatment and remains warded at the hospital,” he said.
A 46-year-old woman believed to be the girl’s adoptive mother was arrested on the same night to assist with the investigation.
The case is being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001. Police are expected to seek a remand order against the suspect at the Seremban Magistrates’ Court today as investigations continue.
