The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry denied recent reports that claimed children at the Da Zhi Jiang Tang welfare home in Taman Kimsar were mistreated.

Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said investigations carried out by the Penang Welfare Department and police revealed that there were no such cases as reported.

"In August, a police report was lodged, claiming rape and sexual abuse at the home and subsequently a comprehensive investigation was carried out but there were no such incidents as claimed.

"Even the investigation carried by the welfare department and the health department involving 15 children at the home who are between 16 months and 14 years old, showed no signs of such abuse," she told reporters after visiting the Zhi Juang Tang welfare home, here today.

On Aug 8, a police report was lodged by Tan Liang Hong, 29, who is DAP assemblyman for Berapit Lydia Ong Kok Fooi’s assistant, at the central Seberang Prai police headquarters in Bandar Perda that the children at the home were being mistreated.

Lydia Ong who was also present during the visit apologised to the home's principal Choo Ai Ling and claimed that she had acted on reports received, solely to protect the welfare of the children at the home. -- BERNAMA