A nine-year-old girl was rescued by police after she was allegedly confined to a store room behind her adoptive family’s home in Taman Tuanku Jaafar, Seremban.
Seremban district police chief ACP Mohd Yatim Osman said authorities received a report regarding the suspected neglect of the child at about 7.22pm on Sunday.
Initial investigations revealed that the girl had been living with the family as an adopted child since she was one year and eight months old.
Police found that during the recent school holidays from May to June, the child was allegedly made to stay in the store room, where she was only provided with meals twice a day.
She was reportedly allowed into the house only to use the toilet before being instructed to return to the store room.
Further investigations also revealed that the girl was frequently scolded and allegedly beaten by her 46-year-old adoptive mother over minor issues, including claims that she took food during the night.
Following the report, police rescued the child and sent her to Hospital Tuanku Jaafar Seremban for medical examination and treatment.
Doctors found that the victim had sustained minor injuries, including scratches on her shoulder and right cheek.
A 46-year-old woman has since been arrested to assist investigations. The case is being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001.
Police are expected to seek a remand order against the suspect to facilitate further investigations into the alleged abuse and neglect case.
