Starving girl, 6, weighed only 10kg when she was rescued
The girl who was rescued from a locked flat in Penang will be placed in a children's home if her family members do not claim her.
She was weak, starving and bruised when she was found by authorities on Thursday (Jan 15).
Seberang Jaya Hospital deputy director Dr Azlina Mohd Radzi said the girl, who is six years and three months old, weighed only about 10kg when she was brought to the hospital.
"She is now on a liquid diet and showing great improvement. She has already gained 2kg.
"We will give her solid food once she reaches about 15 to 20kg," she said.
The average weight of a six-year-old girl is about 20kg.
Will parents be charged?
Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Chew Mei Fun said: "We are now waiting for the police to decide if the case should be brought to court and whether the girl’s parents should be charged.
"If there is nobody to take care of the girl and other children in the family, the department will find a solution and care for them as they are innocent.
"The department will also be responsible for ensuring that the girl receives treatment until she fully recovers."
The girl's father and stepmother had left the girl locked in a flat without running water or electricity.
Police acted after a teacher from the girl's school lodged a report.
The couple have four children. The girl's 34-year-old father will be remanded till Thursday (Jan 22).
Source: The Star
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