Single dad charged in child-shackling case (Butterworth, Malaysia)

Dad is identified as TAN HOOI KEONG.

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/father-charged-in-child-shackling-case

Father charged in child-shackling case
January 04, 2012

BUTTERWORTH, Jan 4 — The father of two children, who were found shackled in the bathroom of their home, has claimed trial to separate charges of mistreatment, The Star Online reported today.

Tan Hooi Keong pleaded not guilty to exposing his six-year-old daughter and two-year-old son to physical and emotional hurt and confining them against their will.

The 44-year-old chemical supplier is accused of committing the offences at their home in Taman Dahlia here between 3pm and 8pm on December 28 last year.

The news portal reported he was charged in the magistrate’s court here today under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 which carries a maximum jail term of 10 years and a fine not exceeding RM20,000.

Tan, who is unrepresented, was imprisoned after he failed to meet bail conditions of RM9,000 as set by Magistrate Mohd Zamir Suhaimee.

The magistrate also fixed February 3 for mention.

The siblings were found shackled in the bathroom of their home on December 28 while their father was at work.

Neighbours who heard the children's cries called a volunteer patrol team, who alerted the police and the Welfare Department.

The Star Online reported a neighbour as saying Tan had seemed stressed ever since his Thai wife left him about a month ago.