By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 2: A 21-year-old mother has been charged with child neglect after her four-year-old son was hospitalised with critical head injuries, including brain bleeding and a fractured skull, in an incident that shocked the Julau community.
Julau District Police Chief DSP Alif Haiqal Ramesh Abdullah said the case was reported at around 3.30pm on Oct 21 when the victim was brought to the Emergency Ward of Sibu Hospital in critical condition.
“The boy was admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) due to severe brain bleeding and a fractured skull.
“Investigations revealed that the victim was believed to have not received proper care and supervision,” he said in a statement issued yesterday (Nov 1).
Acting on the information received, a team from the Julau District Criminal Investigation Division went to the scene and detained the child’s 21-year-old mother to assist in investigations.
The suspect was investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 for neglecting or exposing a child to conditions likely to cause physical or emotional harm.
“The investigation paper was submitted to the Sarawak State Prosecution Office, and the directive was given to charge the suspect under the same section,” DSP Alif Haiqal said.
The woman was brought before the Sarikei Sessions Court on Oct 31. No plea was recorded, and bail was not granted.
She is currently remanded at Sibu Prison pending mention of the case on Nov 13.
DSP Alif Haiqal stressed that police take all cases of child neglect seriously and urged the public to remain vigilant about the welfare of children in their communities.
“The public is reminded not to make any speculation that could cause confusion or disrupt the ongoing investigation.
“PDRM is committed to conducting all investigations fairly and in accordance with the law,” he said. — DayakDaily
