Orphanage In Kulai Ordered To Temporarily Close After Rape Abuse Allegations

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Johor executive councillor Khairin-Nisa Ismail @ Md On urged the public to help address child abuse cases by reporting to the police or the nearest JKM office. (Bernama pic)
JOHOR BAHRU: A privately-run orphanage in Kulai, which went viral after its chairman was allegedly involved in rape and abuse cases involving the residents, has been ordered to close temporarily.
Johor women, family and community development committee chairman Khairin-Nisa Ismail @ Md On said the order was issued under the authority of the director-general of the social welfare department (JKM) and pursuant to Section 15 of the Care Centres Act 1993.
She said that, on Dec 9, Johor JKM had conducted a preliminary investigation and identified 55 children still residing at the centre.
“Following the investigation and as an early intervention, 32 children were returned to their biological parents the next day (Dec 10), while the remaining 23 children (10 boys and 13 girls) were placed in safe custody under JKM’s supervision using protective powers under Section 18 of the Child Act 2001.
“The children were also taken to court to obtain a temporary order under Section 19(2) of the Child Act so that they could be placed in gazetted safe locations on Dec 11,” she said in a statement.
Khairin-Nisa also urged the public to help address child abuse cases by reporting to the police or the nearest JKM office.
Last Sunday, the media reported that the chairman, who is also the owner of the orphanage, claimed trial to two counts of raping a 17-year-old resident and child abuse at the sessions court here.
Earlier, a 56-second video went viral on social media, believed to have been recorded at the same centre, showing a man hitting a young girl with a long wooden ruler.
Kulai police chief Tan Seng Lee confirmed receiving a report regarding the incident and confirmed that it occurred at the same orphanage. - FMT

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