SHAH ALAM - The social welfare department (JKM) should be investigated for allowing Rumah Bonda to operate, says former chief executive officer of Yayasan Kebajikan Negara (YKN) Datin Paduka Che Asmah Ibrahim.
The Women, Family and Community Development ministry too should explain over failure to detect the abuse of the down syndrome child, Bella, she added.
"I hope the investigation into this issue (abuse against Bella) does not stop at the (ongoing) court case because I sincerely believe there are authorities responsible to ensure welfare homes are monitored, especially shelters.
"I don't know how JKM even allowed Rumah Bonda to operate for a long time," she told Sinar Harian.
Che Asmah, the Pejuanita chief further added action was only taken after the abuse went viral.
The ongoing trial involving Bella has gathered much attention online due to the severity of the alleged abuses, including being tied up, stripped naked, had hot water poured onto her for merely pulling off the curtains.
Rumah Bonda founder Siti Bainun Ahd Razali, 30, had pleaded not guilty to two charges of neglecting and abusing the teenager to the point of the victim suffering injuries and also emotional trauma.
She said the ministry should explain JKM's standard operating procedures (SOPs) on childcare.