A man in his 40s is being investigated in Malaysia after a video appearing to show him kicking a young girl at a restaurant in Kota Bharu went viral online.
The incident allegedly took place at a well-known Thai restaurant in Telipot, Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Police began investigating after a member of the public reported the video late on Sept 12.
According to police, the girl is believed to be the man’s daughter.
Man Turns Himself In
Kota Bharu police said the man turned himself in on Sept 13, after authorities had earlier appealed for information to identify and locate both the man and the child shown in the video.
The footage was reportedly uploaded to Facebook by the restaurant owner before spreading widely on Threads and other social media platforms.
Police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and the relationship between the man and the child.
Case Investigated Under Child Act
Kota Bharu police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Azmir Damiri said the case is being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of Malaysia’s Child Act 2001.
The provision covers offences involving the abuse, neglect or abandonment of a child.
The investigation will determine what happened before, during and after the incident and whether the man’s actions constitute an offence under the law.
Authorities have not disclosed further details about the child’s condition.
Viral Video Triggers Public Concern
The footage sparked concern online after viewers saw the man allegedly kick the young girl inside the restaurant.
The rapid spread of the video prompted calls for authorities to establish the identities of those involved and ensure the child’s safety.
Police have urged the public to allow investigators to handle the case rather than drawing conclusions before the investigation is completed.
The incident also highlights the difficulty authorities face when potentially abusive behaviour is captured by members of the public and quickly circulated online.
For now, the investigation remains ongoing, with police expected to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether further action should be taken against the man.
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