The mother and stepfather of a 6-year-old boy have been detained after police discovered marks on the boy’s body suggesting long-term abuse.
Ampang Jaya police chief ACP Khairuldin Saad said police arrested the couple — a taxi driver, 35, and his wife, 31, from their flat in the district on Monday evening.
The couple took the boy to Ampang Hospital at about 1.00pm on Monday after the mother discovered that he was unconscious.
“At the hospital, a doctor confirmed that the boy had died, and upon further examination, found bruises indicating abuse all over his body, hands and legs,” Khairuldin said.
The initial investigations showed that the child died from severe burns, with over 33.5% of his body affected, from the the police believe was caused by hot water.
The 6-year-old was the fourth of seven siblings and started staying with couple since his parents’ divorce in 2009.
The mother is reportedly pregnant with her eighth child.
“I received a call from my former wife at about 3.00pm on Monday and was informed that my son had died,” said the boy’s father who had not seen his son and four other children since the divorce.
“I didn’t even know she remarried. She changed her phone number, so I have had no contact with them,” he said.
One of the couple’s neighbours claimed the boy was heard crying and begging his parents to stop beating him on Sunday.
“I felt sorry for him but I was worried that if I interfered, I would be in trouble with the couple,” said the neighbour.
She also claimed that it was not the first time such an incident had taken place since the couple moved into their flat three months ago.
“They argued with each other all the time, and I had heard cries from their other children, too,” she said.
According to the police, no signs of abuse were found on the six other children.
The boy’s remains were claimed from Kuala Lumpur Hospital by his father and other family members at about 3.00pm yesterday.
The couple have been remanded until Monday.
