KAJANG: A married couple has been detained, and 18 children rescued from a home used as a private shelter following complaints of abuse, police say.

The couple are the owners of the shelter located in Batu 9, Cheras, said Kajang OCPD Asst Comm Naazron Abdul Yusof. He said that an 18-year-old male youth had lodged a report on April 1, claiming that he was slapped on the face and scolded by the couple.

“We also received two other police reports alleging that the owners, who were also the caretakers, had emotionally and mentally abused the children at the shelter home previously,” ACP Naazron said in a statement on Thursday (April 10).

The owners, aged 66 and 68, were detained at about 3.20pm on Thursday, he said.

“They will be remanded on Friday (April 11) to assist with the investigation,” he said.

ACP Naazron said the 18 rescued children, aged between three and in their late teens, have been handed over to the Welfare Department for further action, including medical checkups.

“We are investigating under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which carries a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 20 years or both upon conviction.

“We urge those with information on the case to contact Investigating Officer Insp R. Ravin at 012-6269250 to assist with the investigation,” he said.’

Previously, a social media personality had alleged that the children at the shelter home were neglected and abused.