29-06-2025
13-year-old girl rescued after years of alleged abuse, neglect
KUALA LUMPUR: A 13-year-old girl's life of quiet suffering came to light after she was rescued from years of alleged abuse and neglect at the hands of her adoptive mother in Taman Bendahara, Kuala Selangor.
The girl had been raised by the suspect and her husband since she was an infant but what should have been a safe and loving home instead turned into a place of fear and pain.
The case surfaced after George Wilson, founder of Johor-based welfare group Persatuan Kebajikan Ikhlas, was alerted by a neighbour who had long suspected the girl was being mistreated.
He later rushed to Kuala Selangor and lodged a police report at the Kuala Selangor police station around 6.40pm on June 28.
George claimed he then returned to the suspect's home to wait for the authorities, where he personally witnessed another act of abuse. The girl had just returned with a packet of food when she was verbally assaulted and struck repeatedly by the suspect.
"She was bleeding from her temple. I couldn't just stand there," he said.
Police arrived shortly after and detained the suspect. The victim was immediately taken to the hospital, where she is currently receiving medical treatment.
George said the child's biological father is reportedly incarcerated, and she has had no access to formal education since birth.
"Neighbours confirmed that she was often seen wandering around the area in tattered clothes, looking for food."
"It's heartbreaking. No child should endure what she has lived through. And it's shocking that no one stepped in sooner."
Kuala Selangor district police chief Superintendent Azaharudin Tajudin confirmed that a report was received at 6.40pm on June 28, triggering a swift response from the Criminal Investigation Division.
Officers moved in and arrested the suspect, 54, at the house around 8.15pm.
The child was immediately taken to Tanjong Karang Hospital for medical attention.
The suspect, a housewife, has been remanded for six days, until July 4, to assist in the investigation.
The case is being probed under Section 31(1) of the Child Act 2001, which deals with abuse and neglect.
Police are now calling on members of the public who may have information about the case to come forward and assist in the investigation.
Anyone with details can contact the Kuala Selangor police operations room at 03-3289 1222 or visit the nearest police station.
