POLICE have detained a 38-year-old man in connection with the alleged assault of a child at a private residence in this district yesterday.
The incident, reportedly captured on a 35-second video that circulated widely on social media, shows the child being struck with a cane and subjected to further violence.
Petaling Jaya District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Shamsudin Mamat, said authorities received a report at approximately 1.21 pm.
Investigations revealed that the suspect is the child’s paternal uncle, and the victim is believed to be between eight and eleven years old.
“The incident is suspected to have occurred after the victim allegedly acted against the suspect’s mother,” Shamsudin stated in a press release last night.
Police have seized several items as evidence, and the case is being investigated under Section 31(1) of the Child Act 2001.
A remand application for the suspect is scheduled to be filed at the Petaling Jaya Magistrate’s Court today.
Shamsudin also urged any witnesses with relevant information to come forward at their nearest police station or contact the Petaling Jaya District Police Headquarters Operations Room at 03-7966 2222, or the investigating officer, Inspector Irfan Emir Mohd. Alwi, at 016-537 9507 to assist in the investigation.
The case has drawn public attention following the circulation of the short video on social media, highlighting ongoing concerns over child welfare and abuse. - January 18, 2026
