AMPANG: A foreign national was arrested for allegedly assaulting a 12-year-old boy who refused to read the Quran as instructed.
Ampang Jaya deputy district police chief Superintendent Nazruel Ekram Abu Saare said the 37-year-old African, a Quran teacher, was detained by police officers at Jalan Permai, Taman Dato Ahmad Razali, on Monday.
He said the incident was reported by the boy's father, a Somali, on Dec 22.
"The father claimed his son had injuries on his back allegedly caused by cane beatings. The boy was taken to Ampang Hospital for an examination.
"The suspect had no criminal record, and his urine test was negative for drugs."
The suspect has been remanded for seven days until Dec 30.
"The case is being investigated for abuse, neglect or exposing a child to harm.
"If convicted, the offence carries a maximum fine of RM50,000, up to 20 years' imprisonment, or both."