Child neglect can have devastating consequences, and in Johor Bahru, a seven-year-old boy endured months of mistreatment before finally being rescued.
His father and the father’s girlfriend were found guilty of neglect after confining him in a bathroom, depriving him of proper food, and forcing him to drink toilet water.
What Happened to the 7-Year-Old?
Between July and October 2023, the boy was locked inside a bathroom at a house in Taman Pulai Jaya by his father, R. Thayalan, 39, and his girlfriend, K. Mageswari, 41.
According to The Star, the couple provided him with only small amounts of bread or rice each day. In desperation, the child resorted to drinking toilet water to survive.
He later recounted that his father’s girlfriend, whom he called “Kakak” (sister), was the one who made him drink from the toilet while continuing to deprive him of food.
Discovered When Neighbour Wanted to Store Groceries
The boy’s ordeal was discovered on October 27, 2023, when a neighbor, who had come to store groceries in the family’s refrigerator, found him locked inside the bathroom.
The neighbor immediately alerted the authorities, leading to his rescue.
Hospitalization and Medical Attention
Following his discovery, the boy was taken to Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Bahru, where medical officers confirmed that he was severely malnourished.
He was weak when found, requiring medical care to stabilize his condition.
Guilty Pleas and Court Sentences
On February 4, 2025, Thayalan and Mageswari pleaded guilty before the Sessions Court to an alternative charge under Section 33(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 for neglecting the child.
During the hearing, an impact statement from the child was read in court, where he expressed fear that his suffering was not over.
“Now, I am scared to go to school or anywhere because I am afraid “Kakak” will come looking for me again,” the boy said.
The court sentenced Thayalan to a fine of RM8,000 (approx. 2,440.68 SGD) and 200 hours of community service, while Mageswari was fined RM9,000 (approx. 2,745.77 SGD) and ordered to perform 240 hours of community service.
Boy’s Mother Tried to Reunite with Son for Over a Year
According to NST, the boy’s mother, M. Ana, revealed that she had been trying to reunite with her son for over a year but was repeatedly denied access by his father.
She stated that she had lodged seven police reports to regain custody but was not met with any justice.
Current Condition and Future Plans
Now under his mother’s care, she will focus on ensuring he regains his health while adjusting to a safe and stable environment.
Ana also shared that she plans to enroll him in school once the investigation process is complete, allowing him to resume his education and move forward from the trauma.
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