Children sad over parents' multiple abuse charges

The children of a Malaysian couple who had been charged for multiple charges of child abuse have expressed their sadness over the matter.

Their second child, 11-year-old Adam said although he accepted the news, he was still very sad about it.

“I am sad to know that the Stockholm District Court in Sweden has decided to charge my parents,” he said.

Adam who was met after receiving monetary aid for his schooling said he has adjusted well to his new school and has even made new friends.

This was echoed by school counsellor and coordinator, Zulkifli Mohd Noor who said both Ariff and Adam have also been encouraged to use Bahasa Melayu.

"They are friendly with other pupils in classroom. Only Ariff who is in standard two is a little quiet and shy. I was told that he is good in Mathematics and is a fast learner,” he said.

Norshalwati Norshal and Azizul Raheem Awaluddin were charged Monday at the Solna district court in Stockholm for hitting their four children on several occasions from Sept 15, 2010 to Dec. 2013.

The court document however did not state the reasons why the children were hit.

Their children, Aishah,14, Adam, 11 Ammar, 12, and Ariff,7 had returned to Malaysia on Feb 2 and are now under the care of their aunt Sharlena Makhzan who is also a teacher.

Meanwhile, their grandfather, Norshal Nordin said his grandchildren were rather emotionally-disturbed after learning that their parents were charged.

He said it has been over two months since the children met their parents and it has taken a toll on them, especially 7-year-old Ariff.