Parents In Pontian Arrested For Child Neglect After Son Found With Burn Wounds
The couple failed to seek further treatment of their son’s severe burns even after five days of treating it manually.
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A couple was arrested on suspicion of child neglect after they failed to seek treatment for their 9-year-old son who suffered severe burns from playing with fire in Kampung Parit Kuchi, Johor on 30 December.
As reported by Bernama, the couple, aged 36 and 33, was arrested at 2 am on 4 January while giving statements at the district police headquarters, said the Pontian district police chief Supt Mohamad Shofee Tayib.
The boy sustained burns on his joints, limbs on the right side of his body down to the feet, left arm, inner thighs and right ear.
The parents only bought painkillers and ointment from the pharmacy but did not take the child to the hospital for treatment.
This forced the mother’s friend who learnt about the incident to lodge a police report on 3 January.
The complainant was in disbelief that the victim’s parents still did not take the injured child to seek treatment even after five days, (resulting in) his wounds getting worse and have a foul smell.
Supt Mohamad Shofee Tayib, Pontian District Police Chief
The report was also made to institute urgent action by the police because the complainant thought the child was being neglected.
According to the mother, during the incident on 30 December, the victim and his sister were playing with fire and were seen throwing egg trays into a burning garbage heap.
The mother was inside the house when she heard an explosion outside. She saw her son running with his shirt and pants on fire. He then jumped into a ditch in front of the house.
The father also helped to put out the fire on the victim’s clothes before bringing him into the house.
The child is now in stable condition at Pontian Hospital but will be referred to Sultanah Aminah Hospital for further treatment.
The case is currently being investigated under Section 31 (1) (a) of the Child Act 2001.
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