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A 13-year-old girl with Down Syndrome was sent to the hospital after she was abused at a nursing home in Wangsa Maju. She also tested positive for Covid-19.
The police received a report about the incident on 24 June and have since opened an investigation on a woman who looks after the home, reported Harian Metro.
According to the Head of the Kuala Lumpur Criminal Investigation Department, Senior Assistant Commissioner Saiful Annuar Yusoff, the girl sustained burns on her chest, hands, neck and thighs as well as wounds on other parts of her body.
He said the girl, who has been living in the condominium for a year since 14 July 2020, was taken to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) for further treatment.
“As a result of the examination, the doctor confirmed that the victim suffered injuries due to burns and many cases of old wounds on the body part,” he said.
“The screening test conducted also found the victim positive for Covid-19.”
Saiful Annuar added that there were six other children living at the residence, two of which were two-year-olds who also had Down Syndrome. However, they did not suffer any injuries.
An investigation has since been opened on the 28-year-old woman guarding the home to obtain further information related to the incident.
The investigation paper was opened under Section 31 (1) (a) of the Child Act 2001 for abusing, neglecting, discarding or exposing the child in a manner that was likely to cause him/her physical injury. If convicted, the accused can face a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding twenty years or both.
“All witnesses were found to test positive for Covid-19 and the police will continue their investigation after undergoing the quarantine set by the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM),” Saiful Annuar said.
He added that the police has urged members of the public to always be aware of their surroundings in their respective neighbourhoods and to report any information about abuse, crime and others at 03-2115 9999 or at any nearby police station.
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