LAWAS: Suspected abuse of a five-month-old baby boy came to light after doctors at Lawas Hospital detected unexplained injuries while treating the infant.
District Police Chief, DSP Liong Tindan, said the child had been brought to the hospital by his mother at around 10:45 pm on Sunday night for flu and cough.
Examination by the medical officer found bruises on the child’s body.
Alarmed by the findings, hospital staff lodged a police report for further action.
This prompted police to arrest a 28-year-old man, believed to be the child’s father, at his home to facilitate investigations.
Further checks found the suspect tested positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine.
Liong said the case is being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 and Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Section 31(1)(a) indicates that any person who has in his or her care a child that is being neglected, abandoned or exposed the child in a manner likely to cause him or her physical or emotional injury, can be fined up to RM20,000 or jailed for a term up to ten years or both, upon conviction.
Meanwhile, Section 15(1)(a) carries a fine up to RM5,000 or imprisonment of up to two years or both, upon conviction.
In addition, he can also be placed under supervision for two years under Section 38B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
