Dad remanded for splashing hot water on daughter

GEORGE TOWN: The parents of an eight-year-old girl, who was allegedly splashed with hot water at their house in Air Itam here, have been remanded.

Northeast district police chief Asst Comm Che Zaimani Che Awang said the 42-year-old man and his wife were being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act.

ACP Che Zaimani said the couple were arrested in front of a durian shop in Jalan Paya Terubong on Sunday.

“The suspect, who disappeared with his wife, aged 34, and youngest son after the incident was believed to have returned to Penang,” he said.

He said the couple had four children, including the victim.

In the 1am incident last week, the girl was scalded after her father allegedly splashed hot water on her for purportedly eating all the food meant for the whole family.

The victim’s arms, ribs and chest were scalded but her condition was reported to be stable.

Penang Social Welfare Department deputy director R. Chitarthany said the girl was being treated at the Penang Hospital.

She said the department would temporarily place the victim at a shelter for children after she is discharged.

“We’ve met the victim’s grandparents, in their 80s, who are temporarily looking after her siblings,” Chitarthany said.