JB child neglect case: “Fines are insufficient, just send perpetrators to prison”
By Bernie Yeo
BELIAWANIS MCA has called for stronger penalties in cases of child abuse and neglect, saying mere fines are insufficient and a lack of prison sentence does not reflect the severity of child abuse and neglect.
Its chairperson Ivone Low Yi Wen said this in response to the recent case involving the neglect and abuse of a seven-year-old boy by his biological father R. Thayalan, 39, and his girlfriend, K. Mageswari, 41.
The victim, who is Thayalan’s biological son, was found malnourished and emaciated approximately two years ago.
On Tuesday (Feb 4), it was reported that the duo was fined a total of RM17,000 by the Johor Bahru Sessions Court, and was ordered to perform 440 hours of community service for neglecting and injuring a child under their care.
“The trauma suffered by this young boy cannot be overlooked. If we continue to allow the fear of the victim to take precedence, especially when his abusers are not imprisoned and could potentially re-enter his life, we are setting a dangerous precedent,” Low commented.
“A lack of prison sentence sends the wrong message, suggesting that such abuse can be taken lightly, which undermines the seriousness of the harm inflicted on the victim.
“The fear this child now faces, knowing that his trusted father, being one of the abusers, received a fine rather than a prison sentence, is a harsh reality he must endure every day.”
Low further called for the authorities to introduce regular unannounced welfare checks by the Department of Social Welfare to monitor the child’s condition.
She said the victim should also be provided with counselling to help him recover from the emotional and psychological scars inflicted by the ordeal.
“It is crucial that schools pay attention to his well-being and offer support in the form of counselling and assistance with his studies, ensuring that the child is not left to cope with this trauma alone,” Low stressed.
She said efforts must be made to facilitate the biological mother’s engagement with the child while exploring the possibility of her regaining custody.
“If necessary, the government should consider appealing for a custody order to protect the child’s future. This would ensure that the child is placed in a safe and nurturing environment, free from the threat of further abuse,” she added.
“The current sentence does not reflect the severity of child abuse and neglect. It is reminiscent of cases where penalties for harmful actions are insufficient, such as the RM100 fine imposed in the Esha cyberbullying case.
“We believe that a stronger response to these incidents is essential to protect vulnerable children and to send a clear message that such abuse will not be tolerated.” – Feb 5, 2025
BELIAWANIS MCA has called for stronger penalties in cases of child abuse and neglect, saying mere fines are insufficient and a lack of prison sentence does not reflect the severity of child abuse and neglect.
Its chairperson Ivone Low Yi Wen said this in response to the recent case involving the neglect and abuse of a seven-year-old boy by his biological father R. Thayalan, 39, and his girlfriend, K. Mageswari, 41.
The victim, who is Thayalan’s biological son, was found malnourished and emaciated approximately two years ago.
On Tuesday (Feb 4), it was reported that the duo was fined a total of RM17,000 by the Johor Bahru Sessions Court, and was ordered to perform 440 hours of community service for neglecting and injuring a child under their care.
“The trauma suffered by this young boy cannot be overlooked. If we continue to allow the fear of the victim to take precedence, especially when his abusers are not imprisoned and could potentially re-enter his life, we are setting a dangerous precedent,” Low commented.
“A lack of prison sentence sends the wrong message, suggesting that such abuse can be taken lightly, which undermines the seriousness of the harm inflicted on the victim.
“The fear this child now faces, knowing that his trusted father, being one of the abusers, received a fine rather than a prison sentence, is a harsh reality he must endure every day.”
Low further called for the authorities to introduce regular unannounced welfare checks by the Department of Social Welfare to monitor the child’s condition.
She said the victim should also be provided with counselling to help him recover from the emotional and psychological scars inflicted by the ordeal.
“It is crucial that schools pay attention to his well-being and offer support in the form of counselling and assistance with his studies, ensuring that the child is not left to cope with this trauma alone,” Low stressed.
She said efforts must be made to facilitate the biological mother’s engagement with the child while exploring the possibility of her regaining custody.
“If necessary, the government should consider appealing for a custody order to protect the child’s future. This would ensure that the child is placed in a safe and nurturing environment, free from the threat of further abuse,” she added.
“The current sentence does not reflect the severity of child abuse and neglect. It is reminiscent of cases where penalties for harmful actions are insufficient, such as the RM100 fine imposed in the Esha cyberbullying case.
“We believe that a stronger response to these incidents is essential to protect vulnerable children and to send a clear message that such abuse will not be tolerated.” – Feb 5, 2025
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