ISKANDAR PUTERI: A lorry attendant was arrested yesterday on suspicion of abusing his six year old stepdaughter.
Iskandar Puteri police chief Assistant Commissioner Noor Hashim Mohamad said the arrest was made following two police reports each lodged by the victim’s babysitter and kindergarten teacher on Monday after they had noticed bruises on the victim’s cheek, lips and back.
“The victim had told the babysitter that her stepfather had caned and slapped her,” said Noor Hashim.
He said the suspect, 27, was arrested at his house in Lima Kedai, Gelang Patah, where police also seized a rattan cane.
“The suspect had been married to the victim’s mother for two years. He also tested positive for methamphetamine use.
“During interrogation, the suspect admitted to caning, slapping and hitting the victim because the victim was naughty and did not do well in her studies.
Initial investigation showed that the suspect had been abusing the victim since October 2017,” said Noor Hashim.
He said the victim is currently in the care of her 28-year old mother who works as an assistant at a clinic in Gelang Patah.
“The suspect had been remanded until April 24 and the case is being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001,” said Noor Hisham.