Executive councillor Latipah Omar said the application would be submitted tomorrow to ensure the welfare of the two siblings was taken care of.

The boy had allegedly drowned in a water tub at his house. Preliminary investigations showed physical injuries on the body and both parents, aged 32 and 38, have been detained.

Latipah said the woman was said to have three other children, with one of them being taken care of by her grandmother.

Latipah and women, family and community development minister Rina Harun paid a visit to the boy’s adoptive mother, Norlida Abu Hassan, 50, at a homestay in Jalan Sungai Putat here today.

Rina had pledged that strong action would be taken against those responsible for the boy’s death.

Norlida said she hoped the boy’s family would give her permission to arrange for the boy’s burial.

His adoptive father, Md Tarmidi Yaacob, 52, said his family had met the boy’s mother at the Melaka Hospital mortuary and sought her permission, but the woman just shook her head.

He said several parties including the state government, police and other organisations were helping them to persuade the family.

Wanita Umno has urged the authorities to take immediate action against those responsible for the boy’s death.