Parents of siblings rescued by JKM released on police bail

JOHOR BAHRU: The parents of the three children who were rescued by the Social Welfare Department (JKM) at their house in Larkin Perdana, here four days ago, have been released on police bail after their statements were recorded.

Johor Police chief Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Najmuddin Mohd said the couple from Sabah, aged 32 and 21, were detained at their house in Larkin at 10 pm yesterday.

“They were detained to facilitate investigations under Section 3 of the Child Act 2001. An investigation paper has been opened and will be forwarded to the public prosecutor for further action.

“According to their statements, they just settled here to work, ” he told reporters after making a visit to the Johor Bahru Selatan District Police Headquarters, here.

Wan Ahmad Najmuddin said the parents claimed they had been “set up” by their neighbour.

“They issued their statements in their defence but police will investigate, there are some factors that we need to look at and to act fairly. So let us do our job first,” he said.

He added that both husband and wife were released on police bail because their one-year- old child was still breastfeeding.

The siblings, two girls and a boy aged one to six years were taken by JKM on Aug 3, after a neighbour lodged a report claiming they were neglected by their parents.

The story of the case went viral on social media yesterday.

Meanwhile, in Putrajaya, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim said the three siblings would be under the custody of JKM for 30 days and were temporarily placed at a child protection centre in Johor Baru to facilitate investigations.

She said during the period, the department would discuss with police regarding the parents’ situation from the aspects of suitability, financial security and social aspects.

“JKM procedure needs 30 days to conduct and complete the investigation before deciding anything. The report may be accepted tomorrow or the day after but the siblings will be at the protection centre for 30 days,” she told reporters after officiating Nawem-L’oreal Women in Business project.

She added the parents and family members of the siblings cannot take out the siblings but they could visit them by contacting the JKM officer. — Bernama