Man fined, jailed for abusing 5-year-old son

A man who allegedly hit his five-year-old son for not doing house chores was sentenced to 14 days' jail and fined RM5,000, in default four months' jail, by the Magistrate's Court here today for abusing the boy.

Magistrate Sri Pracha Nanthini Balabedha handed down the sentence on Hiew Sin Thiam, 39, who pleaded guilty to the charge.

Hiew, an assistant cook, was charged with abusing the boy to an extent of causing the child physical and emotional injuries at their house in Relau, near here, at 4.40pm last Friday.

He was charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which provides an imprisonment for up to 10 years, or with fine not exceeding RM20,000, or both, upon conviction.

During mitigation Hiew's lawyer, Cheah Ng Soon said his client was remorse and apologised for his action.

His intention was to teach the child because the boy did not do house chores, said Cheah.

The prosecution was conducted by deputy public prosecutor Nurul Izzah Shaharuddin.