POLICE in Seremban have rescued a nine-year-old foster child who was allegedly confined in a storeroom behind her family's home for several weeks during the school holidays, leading to the arrest of her foster mother on suspicion of abuse and neglect.
The case came to light after authorities received a report alleging that the young girl was being kept in a storage room at a residence in Taman Tuanku Jaafar, prompting an immediate police response.
Seremban District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Yatim Osman said the report was lodged on Sunday evening, triggering an investigation that resulted in the child's rescue and the detention of the suspect.
"At 7.22pm yesterday, the Seremban District Police Headquarters received a police report regarding a case of neglect involving a nine-year-old girl.
"The complaint stated that a young girl was allegedly being confined in a storeroom located behind a house in Taman Tuanku Jaafar, Seremban," he said in a statement.
Initial investigations revealed that the child had been under the care of the foster family since she was one year and eight months old.
According to police findings, the girl was allegedly made to remain inside an unlocked storeroom throughout the school holiday period between May and June.
"Throughout the school holidays from May to June, the victim was believed to have been placed inside an unlocked storeroom behind the house and was given food twice a day.
"The victim was only allowed into the house to use the toilet and had to return to the storeroom afterwards.
"Investigations also found that the victim was frequently scolded and beaten by the suspect, her foster mother, over minor matters such as stealing food at night," Mohd Yatim said.
Authorities subsequently removed the child from the premises and transported her to Hospital Tuanku Ja'afar Seremban for medical examination and treatment.
Police later arrested a 46-year-old woman at the residence to assist with investigations.
"A 46-year-old woman was arrested at the house to assist in investigations under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001.
"An application for a remand order will be made at the Seremban Magistrates' Court this morning to facilitate further investigations," he said.
The case has sparked renewed concern over child welfare and the monitoring of vulnerable children placed under alternative care arrangements.
Police have urged members of the public with relevant information to come forward and assist the investigation by contacting the investigating officer, Inspector Zulfitri Abd Razak, through the Seremban District Police Headquarters.
Investigations are ongoing. - June 8, 2026
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