A FORMER storekeeper has been charged in the Sessions Court in Batu Pahat with causing physical injury to his 11-year-old stepson, in a case that has raised fresh concerns over child welfare and domestic discipline.
The 28-year-old accused, a father of four, entered a plea of not guilty after the charge was read before Judge Osman Affendi Mohd Shalleh.
He is alleged, as a person responsible for the child’s care, to have abused the boy by inflicting physical harm at a residence in Tongkang Pechah at about 11pm on March 15.
The charge was brought under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which provides for a fine of up to RM50,000, imprisonment of up to 20 years, or both, upon conviction.
Prosecution was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Sharifah Natasha Syed Ahmad, while the accused was represented by counsel Siti Farha Garieb from the National Legal Aid Foundation.
The court granted bail at RM8,000 with one surety, and imposed additional conditions including mandatory monthly reporting at a nearby police station.
The accused was also ordered not to approach or interfere with the victim and prosecution witnesses, to reside separately, and to surrender his passport pending disposal of the case.
The matter has been fixed for mention on May 22 for the submission of documents and confirmation of legal representation.
According to case facts, the incident came to light after the child’s teacher lodged a police report upon noticing injuries believed to be consistent with abuse.
Police investigations indicated the alleged assault occurred after the boy was accused of taking RM30 belonging to his mother and using her mobile phone to purchase online games, which reportedly angered the accused.
He is alleged to have caned the child repeatedly, causing visible bruising, in an incident said to have been witnessed by the boy’s mother. - April 10, 2026
