The plight of a 13-year-old boy believed to have been living alone in a workshop in Lukut for about a week has drawn the attention of authorities following a report from concerned members of the public.
Sri Tanjung assemblyman Dr G. Rajasekaran said local community leaders and officers from the Social Welfare Department (JKM) immediately visited the location after receiving information about the teenager’s situation.
Initial investigations revealed that the boy had been staying at the workshop after refusing to return home due to personal reasons.
According to information gathered by authorities, the teenager had previously lived with his father.
However, his father is currently serving a prison sentence and is unable to continue caring for him.
“It is understood that the boy stopped attending school at the age of 12 and later helped his father work at a car wash,” Rajasekaran said.
During the past week, the owner of the workshop reportedly provided temporary shelter and assistance while attempting to locate the boy’s family members.
Authorities have since contacted the teenager’s mother, who lives in Melaka and was reportedly travelling to Port Dickson to meet and persuade her son to return home.
His grandmother, who resides in Pantai Mas, also arrived to assist discussions with welfare officers and local authorities.
Rajasekaran said the immediate priority is to ensure the teenager’s safety, welfare and emotional well-being.
“The Social Welfare Department is conducting a detailed assessment and working closely with the grandmother to determine the most suitable long-term solution,” he said.
Among the options being considered are placing the boy under the care of a suitable family member or implementing alternative protection measures under the Child Act 2001 if necessary.
Authorities are expected to continue monitoring the situation while evaluating the teenager’s living conditions, support network and future educational needs.
The case has highlighted the challenges faced by vulnerable children and the importance of community intervention in ensuring their safety and well-being.
