January 23, 2026
Local
Local
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 23 — Two foreign nationals have become the first individuals in Malaysia to be charged in court for littering under the newly enforced anti-littering law, according to a report by The Star.
GEORGE TOWN, May 25 — The Penang Social Welfare Department (JKM) may place a girl suspected of being abused by her parents into institutional care if no willing relatives are found to take her in.
State JKM director Zakaria Taib said efforts are ongoing to locate the Year Six student’s closest relatives or next of kin who are willing to care for her, as the department prioritises family-based care whenever possible.
“She is still receiving treatment at Penang Hospital, and so far, we have not been able to identify any relatives willing to take responsibility for her.
“JKM will not compel any family members to do so, but if no one comes forward, the girl will be placed in a welfare home under our supervision as a last resort,” he said when contacted today.
Zakaria added that the girl’s 15-year-old brother has been living with their grandmother in Balik Pulau since young and is reportedly in good health.
He also shared that the girl had previously lived with the same grandmother during her early years, but was later taken in by her father due to unspecified circumstances.
Earlier, media reports stated that police arrested a couple last Tuesday to assist in investigations after a girl was found with bruises and cuts on her back, believed to be from caning at a home in Sungai Ara. — Bernama
