A FATHER, believed to be in debt, left his two sons, aged nine and 10, home alone at their home in the Kota Laksamana Utama apartment in Melaka.
According to reports in China Press, their 13-year-old brother was under the care of someone else and attends school in the mornings and works in the afternoons.
The two brothers also attend a primary school in town, but have not gone since their father left home.
They have been seen wandering about their apartment over the last two weeks, prompting other residence to contact Kota Laksamana Assemblyman, Low Chee Leong.
According to Low, it was learnt that their mother left home three years ago, while their father ran a noodle stall in the city.
"Though the elder boy managed to call their mother, she claimed she was abroad and unable to look after them.
"We also called their uncle, but he too declined to care for the boys," said Low.
He said he then contacted the Melaka Welfare Department.
The Welfare Department said it is their procedure to try locating the children's closest relative before making any further arrangement to care for the boys.

Yesterday, the boys were taken to their grandmother's house until the department makes further arrangements.
"The boys did not want to go at first and insisted they could look after themselves, but agreed to go later on," said Low.
China Press reported that though the father was gone for two weeks, the house was well kept and there were several packets of instant noodles, biscuits, cakes and other foodstuff on the living room table.

However, the electricity bills showed the family owed more than RM800 in arrears.
"We will monitor them closely and do all necessary to ensure their well-being while trying to locate their father," added Low. - October 18, 2025