Former home worker backs abuse claims

This article is more than 12 months old

Jul 19, 2016 06:01 am

A former secretary has backed allegations that a welfare home in Penang had physically and sexually abused children under its care.

Mr Tony Ooi Yoo Peng, 43, said claims made by a woman whose seven children and two grandchildren were residents at the centre were all true.

"Yes, the children were abused and the operations of the home leave much to be desired," he claimed at a press conference on Sunday, The Star reported.

"Babies were traded there and when I raised the matter, it threatened me instead. I had lodged two police reports but no action was taken.

"The owner of the home offered me and three other men RM5,000 (S$1,700) each to keep quiet, but I turned down the offer."

The home's owner Khaw Choy Ping, 39, pleaded guilty to operating the unregistered home and was fined RM5,000 yesterday. The court also ordered the home to cease operations until a valid registration is obtained.