KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian couple living in Norway is embroiled in abuse allegations involving their children.
Hairi Muhamad, 42, and Norliha Khamis, 42, have been living in Stord, Norway for the past ten years where the former works as an expert welder.
The couple have five children aged between four and 16.
Since May this year, they lost custody of their children following investigation by authorities over there based on complaints made by one of their children.
Hairi's brother, Hasrol, earlier said that one of the couple's children told a teacher of feeling stressed for having to fast for long hours during the last Ramadan.
"Perhaps the teacher thought the child was being abused and lodged a complaint with the authorities and investigation was then carried out," Hasrol said.
Another child claimed to have been beaten, but according to Hasrol police who checked the couple's home could not find any evidence such as a cane.
Hasrol said that during this period, the children have been placed under the temporary care of three non-Muslim families in Norway.
"We know Along (Hairi) and Kak Long (Norliha), they are kind people. It's just that they are strict when it comes to instilling religion in their children," Hasrol remarked.
Meanwhile, Wisma Putra today confirmed Hairi and Norliha had claimed trial relating to abuse allegation involving their children.
Wisma Putra and the Malaysian Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden are keeping a close watch on the development of the case, it said in a statement.
"The Malaysian Embassy has contacted the couple and rendered consular assistance in line with the Vienna Convention 1963.
"The embassy is also working with the local relevant agencies there to protect the rights and welfare of the family, including making sure their children will be placed with Muslim families," the statement added.
Wisma Putra had also instructed Malaysian Embassy officials to attend and conduct a watching brief on the trial scheduled from Nov 4 to 6.