IPOH: A father has been apprehended in Gerik for purportedly assaulting his 12-year-old son through punches and kicks, and also threatening him with a machete.
According to Gerik OCPD Supt Zulkifli Mahmood, the incident occurred in Kampung Perah at around 5pm on Sunday (October 29).
Supt Zulkifli stated that the boy’s 35-year-old aunt, who is a Thai national, lodged a report at the Bersia police station, leading to the man’s arrest on Monday (October 30).
The aunt had invited the victim to her home on Saturday evening to commemorate his birthday.
“The victim stayed overnight at his aunt’s house and was supposed to return home the following evening,” Supt Zulkifli explained.
In the report, it was mentioned that the woman and the boy were inside her residence when the 37-year-old man entered and assaulted the victim with punches and kicks on his back.
The man even brandished a machete, endangering the boy.
“We are still attempting to determine the motive behind the father’s actions,” he stated in a press statement.
The boy was taken to the emergency department of Hospital Gerik for treatment after suffering soft tissue injuries on his back and legs.
Supt Zulkifli added that an investigation is underway under Section 31 (1) (a) of the Child Act 2001, which deals with neglect, abandonment, or exposing a child to physical or emotional harm.
