The viral “chicken bones” content creators recently had their statements recorded by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). The mother of one of the 14-year-old boys expressed outrage, claiming her son was allegedly handcuffed and treated like a criminal.
The minor, Luo, was summoned by the MCMC to give a statement. Accompanied by his mother, they went to the police station in Iskandar Puteri on Tuesday (August 10).
At the time, Luo’s mother, Wong, said the officers were using the police station for questioning. However, around 5 pm that day, they were informed that a report had been filed with the Seremban Police, and that Luo, along with two other content creators involved, would be taken to Seremban.
Wong claimed that during the process, her son was not only handcuffed but also made to wear a prison uniform and placed in a room with suspects from other cases. She further alleged that her son was not allowed to sleep or given any food.
“He’s still a child!”
In an interview with China Press, Wong acknowledged her son’s mistake and the seriousness of the viral video involving a homeless man. However, she was unhappy with how her son was treated, stating that the handcuffs and prison uniform were unnecessary.
“I would like to ask Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching: is the committee’s treatment of minors in violation of the Child Protection Act?”
Teo Nie Ching has since responded, denying the claims that the minor was handcuffed or made to wear a prison uniform. She clarified that the MCMC did not instruct the minor to wear prison attire and stated that if parents are dissatisfied with police procedures, they may lodge a complaint with the police.
She explained that both the MCMC and the police have received relevant complaints and are conducting independent investigations.
Teo emphasised that the MCMC has no authority to prevent police investigations, and that the police are not acting under MCMC’s instructions.
She also cited Section 83A(1) of the Child Act 2001, which stipulates that children shall not be handcuffed unless they are involved in a serious crime or attempt to resist or evade arrest, as reported by China Press.
