Kedah welfare home in viral elderly abuse videos not registered, says Nancy

KUCHING: The welfare home in Taman Desa Aman, Padang Serai, Kedah, seen in viral videos of an old man being beaten by a woman believed to be an employee at the centre, is not registered with the Social Welfare Department (JKM), says Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.

The Women, Family and Community Development Minister said this was based on investigations conducted by the JKM and the police against the private elderly care home.

“Once the investigation is complete, we will order the welfare home to close.

“I urge those tasked with caring for the elderly to fulfil their responsibilities diligently. We must always remember that someday, we too will depend on others for care and protection,” she said after attending the Kuching District Office Aidilfitri open house here Saturday (April 27).

On Thursday (April 25), Kulim OCPD Supt Mohd Azizul Mohd Khairi reportedly said that the police had arrested the owner and helper of the welfare home to assist in investigations into the incident.

He said that the police had received a report about an incident where a 70-year-old inmate of the welfare home had allegedly been beaten with a stick.

“Four video clips of the incident have gone viral on social media and the Kulim district police headquarters has launched an investigation into the case and arrested a 44-year-old man, who is the owner of the welfare home.

“Also arrested is a 36-year-old local woman who works as a helper at the centre,” said Mohd Azizul in a statement. – Bernama