KUCHING: Appropriate welfare support and psychosocial assistance will be sought for the family affected by the death of a child in Sibu through monitoring by the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) and Child Protection Division (BPAK).
The five-year-old child died following an alleged slashing incident at Jalan Rantau Panjang Jaya, Sibu, on Friday afternoon (Aug 28). Police subsequently arrested a man believed to be in his 40s, with the suspect taken into custody to assist investigations.
Women, Early Childhood and Community Well-being Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said she was deeply saddened and shocked by the tragedy, while urging the public to allow authorities to conduct their investigation without interference.
“I understand that a police investigation is currently underway and that a suspect has been remanded to assist in the investigation.
“Therefore, we need to give the authorities the space to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation without any interference,” she said in a statement today (Aug 30).
She extended her condolences to the victim’s family, stressing that no child should ever become a victim of violence under any circumstances.
“My condolences go to the victim’s family. No child should ever become a victim of violence under any circumstances. The loss of a child is an immense tragedy for any family,” she stressed.
As the Minister responsible for Women, Children and Community Wellbeing affairs, Fatimah said she would request the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) and the Child Protection Division (BPAK) to monitor developments in the case and ensure that the affected family receives appropriate welfare support and psychosocial assistance.
She added the tragedy also reminded everyone that the safety and protection of children was a shared responsibility.
“We must all remain vigilant and take seriously any signs of violence, abuse or neglect involving children, whether they occur at home or within the community,” she added.
Fatimah also urged the public not to spread unverified information, photographs or speculation which could add to the family’s grief and potentially affect the investigation process.
“For now, let us come together to pray for strength and resilience for the victim’s family and everyone affected by this deeply heartbreaking tragedy,” she said.
