Jempol police chief Hoo Chang Hook said the man, a sawmill worker aged 27, and his unemployed wife, 31, were detained after police were tipped off yesterday that the boy had run away from home after being abused.

“The victim is the eldest of four siblings. We believe he has been beaten by hand and a wooden ladle, kicked and caned by his father and stepmother. The other children were not abused.

“The boy’s body is covered with scars and wounds. He is being treated at the Kuala Pilah Hospital and doctors have confirmed he has sustained multiple injuries,” Hoo said in a statement today.

He said the suspects have been remanded for a week to help in the investigation into the case under Section 31 (1) (a) of the Child Act 2001 for child neglect.