The women, family and community development has dismissed claims that the minister, Rina Harun, conspired to protect a welfare home named in a court case on the alleged abuse of a Down syndrome teenager.
The ministry said such allegations were “baseless and defamatory”, Bernama reported.
It said the ministry had taken appropriate action through the welfare department, since July 2021, including sealing the premises and slapping an RM5,000 fine on the operator, which the ministry added was the maximum it could impose.
“Issuing defamatory statements aimed at tarnishing one’s reputation is not appropriate while Bella’s case is still in court,” it said, referring to the 13-year-old at the centre of the case.
The ministry said discussions would be held with the Attorney-General’s Chambers, police, and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to prevent such allegations from recurring.
The statement was made in response to an Instagram post on June 12 which disputed the fine imposed, and also accused Rina of protecting the care centre.
Rumah Bonda founder, Siti Bainun Ahd Razali has been charged with two counts of abandonment and abusing Bella, resulting in the victim sustaining physical and emotional injuries last year. – FMT