By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Oct 10: The three-year-old girl who was allegedly abused to death in Kampung Rampangi, Santubong, was laid to rest on Thursday (Oct 9), while her two siblings remain hospitalised under medical supervision.
Confirming this yesterday, Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah expressed her deep sadness over the tragic case, stressing that child abuse is unacceptable and must be reported immediately to ensure prompt intervention.
“This is a heartbreaking situation. Cases involving abuse, especially of children, women, or the elderly, must be reported so that action can be taken against perpetrators,” she said in a pre-recorded interview after officiating the ‘Senior Citizen Health Benefit’ programme organised by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) on Thursday (Oct 9).
According to reports from the Social Welfare Department (JKM), the child’s ordeal traces back to September 2024, when she was referred from the general hospital due to concerns over her welfare. Her mother, a known victim of domestic violence, had previously lodged a police report at Gita Police Station but later withdrew it.
“In early 2025, after discussions with social welfare officers, five of the mother’s six children were placed at Peryatim Kuching, while the remaining child was placed under the care of Toh Puan Hajah Norkiah in Kuching. Temporary court orders were sought to formalise these arrangements,” she explained.
By March 2025, the young girl and her mother failed to appear in Kuching’s court, and authorities discovered that they had absconded from the temporary care facility, Anjung Singgah. In April, Peryatim Kuching reported that two of the children has absconded from the orphanage and were living with their mother in Kampung Gita. The protection officer visited Kampung Gita to locate them but interviews with local residents revealed that they had moved to Kampung Rampangi.
“Oct 8, hospital authorities reported that the two children were admitted to the children’s ward, and police intervened after discovering evidence of abuse, which ultimately led to the death of the three-year-old girl,” she said.
Police confirmed yesterday the arrest of a 32-year-old local man in Kampung Krian, Jalan Padawan, in connection with the child’s death. The suspect, who tested positive for drug use and has six previous criminal records related to drugs, was taken into custody around 11am on Oct 9.
Investigators believe there may be some form of relationship between the suspect and the victim’s mother, although the exact nature of the connection is still under investigation. Authorities applied for a remand order this morning.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the young victim had been subjected to abuse leading up to her death.
Fatimah highlighted that the remaining children are under the care of social welfare protection officers and will continue to receive support until they are confirmed safe and healthy.
“The welfare and protection of these children remain our top priority. The authorities are working closely to ensure that justice is served, and that no act of abuse goes unnoticed,” she added.
The Minister also urged the public to report any suspected abuse. “Neighbours, relatives, or anyone who witnesses abuse must come forward. We cannot tolerate violence in any form, and reporting is crucial so that timely action can be taken,” she said.
Police investigations into the case are ongoing. — DayakDaily
