BALIK PULAU: The case involving two twin boys, who were allegedly left to sleep on the sidewalk by their stepmother at a flat in the southwest district here, is under investigation by the authorities.
State Social Development, Welfare and Non-Muslim Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said an investigation was being carried out by the police under their jurisdiction, while the Welfare Department was investigating the matter under the Child Act 2001 (Act 611).
She said further actions regarding the case, which has since gone viral, would be decided after the results of the investigation are known.
“This probe is ongoing according to the scope of the police and Welfare Department.
“We are waiting for the full findings before any further action is taken.
“The two children will be referred to the hospital for a health examination,” she said when met at the southwest district police headquarters here today.
Present was state Welfare Department director Rozita Ibrahim.
It is understood that the twins’ biological parents and stepmother were at the district police headquarters to assist with the investigation.
Lim urged the public not to speculate about the incident as it could disrupt the investigation.
“The Penang government will not compromise on any child safety issue,” she added.
It was reported that a woman was seeking justice for her twin biological children after claiming they were mistreated by their stepmother in an incident at a flat in the state.
She alleged that the twins, 8, were forced to sleep on a flat unit’s sidewalk because they were considered “wild”.
She also said the twins were told to keep their eyes closed while eating and were forced to finish all their food if they did not eat vegetables.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
