Police said the stepmother, a 30-year-old Indonesian woman, had been arrested and later released on bail.

Meanwhile, in Kedah, a three-year-old toddler has died of injuries believed to have been caused by abuse. Her mother and stepfather are now under investigation for murder.

Negeri Sembilan welfare department director Rosnah Sardi said the 10-year-old girl here bore injuries on her face and ear, pinch marks on her hands, arms, shoulders and back, as well as cane marks on her back and left leg.

“She also claimed to have been punched in the stomach and head and felt pain on several parts of her body in addition to being in a very hungry state when saved,” Rosnah said.

A temporary custody order would be sought after the girl’s condition had stabilised, she said and a district child protection officer would conduct further investigations to determine the best permanent placement for the girl.

Seremban district police chief, Nanda Maarof, said investigations were continuing.