Couple remanded over son’s death

Seasoned cop shocked at boy’s injuries

The six-month-old daughter is in hospital, but there is no evidence of abuse. ACP Mohammad Azlin Sadari

PETALING JAYA: Subang Jaya district police chief Asst Comm Mohammad Azlin Sadari may be a veteran cop, but even he was taken aback by the extent of bruises and injuries found on the body of nine-year-old boy who was allegedly beaten to death by his parents.

Months after coming back to Malaysia, two convicted drug offenders allegedly abused their nine-year-old son.

According to sources, both suspects, who were recently arrested by Subang Jaya police, had previously served a prison sentence in New Zealand for drug distribution.

Their son, who was only one year old at the time of the sentencing, was put into a welfare home here by his grandmother.

Sources said the parents took the boy out of the welfare home after returning to Malaysia around June last year.

It is believed that the family had also just recently moved into their home in USJ1, before the death occurred.

ACP Mohammad Azlin said police are currently trying to piece together the events that led to his death.

“We will call people in for statements, including the grandmother,” he said, adding that the suspects also have a six-month-old child. “She is currently in hospital, but there is no evidence to suggest she has been abused. We are awaiting further instructions from the Welfare Department.

“As for the victim, his body has been claimed by both sides of the family. It’s heartbreaking,” said ACP Mohammad Azlin as he narrated the painful sight to the media.

Pictures sighted by The Star showed that the victim had injuries from head to toe, with bruises covering both hands and legs, other than a huge bruise on the forehead.

Both suspects have been remanded until June 2, but it is expected to be extended.

On May 26, the victim was pronounced dead by a doctor after the suspects had earlier sent the victim to the clinic.

A police report was made after the doctor noticed the bruises on the child’s body.

It is believed that the injuries were caused from punches and caning, whereas the cause of death was listed as “extensive subcutaneous and muscle haemorrhage due to blunt force trauma”.

Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said the case highlighted the need for a strong family support system.

“Family does not just mean the core family, but the extended family as well.

“When we find that a family member is involved in unhealthy activities such as drugs, then we need to pay more attention to them, especially their children,” she said.