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GOMBAK: Eight people have been arrested in connection with allegations of child abuse and exploitation in a social welfare home in Taman Bidara, Selayang.
Arifai Tarawe, Communications Assistant for the Gombak OCPD, said the suspects, including three women, were detained on Wednesday (May 13).
“We have obtained a four-day return order for the suspects.
“They have been forwarded until Sunday (May 17),” he said when contacted on Thursday (May 14).
ACP Arifai said police had previously recorded statements from nine children, ages 13 to 18, to help with investigations.
“Nine more, between the ages of five and 12, have been sent to the Children’s Interview Center (CIC),” he said.
A victim was also sent to Selayang Hospital for medical checks and treatment, he added.
“This case is still under police investigation and the public is advised not to speculate on the issue,” he said.
The investigations were previously reported to have started after a video alleging the abuse went viral.
ACP Arifai said at the time that the plaintiff claimed that the children were being forced to make bundles of money and that they were beaten with sticks if they did not obey.
The plaintiff also said that some children were molested by a relative of the owner.
“The purpose of the video was to show it to the parents of the children and also to send it to the NGOs,” he said.
Incidentally, the owner of the 44-year-old welfare house also filed a police report.
“On May 5, around 2 in the morning, a group of men and women, believed to be members of an NGO, entered the house and tried to take the children away.
“Threats were also issued,” said ACP Arifai.
Investigative documents were opened pursuant to Section 31 (1) (a) of the Children’s Act of 2001, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act of 1998 and Section 447/506 of the Penal Code.
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