Severely abused toddler fighting for life in Johor hospital; adoptive parents held
Rizalman Hammim
New Straits TimesJuly 10, 2017
BATU PAHAT: A couple has been arrested for the suspected abuse of their 21-month-old adopted son who is currently fighting for his life at the Sultanah Nora Ismail Hospital here.
The toddler was initially rushed to the same hospital last Wednesday by his adoptive mother after suffering seizures.
"Hospital records show that it was the third time that the toddler had been treated at the hospital. (The staff) suspected that there were elements of abuse in the case when they found old and fresh wounds on the victim's body.
"Records also show that the last time he was taken to the hospital, he was treated for suspected tuberculosis, but checks also revealed a hairline fracture on his right arm.
“He was then taken into custody by the Social Welfare Department – (but later) returned to the family," said Batu Pahat police chief Assistant Commissioner Abdul Wahib Musa.
He said the toddler is now on life support as he is in critical condition. He is also believed to have suffered from prolonged seizures which caused him to become unconscious.
"(Additional) checks on the victim also revealed burn marks on the palms of both hands and the sole of his right foot," Abdul Wahib added.
The adoptive parents, aged 30 and 34, were arrested as part of a probe under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001
