The 41-year-old suspect lost his temper when the eight-year-old boy, who was riding his bicycle, crashed into the gate of their house yesterday afternoon, Harian Metro reported.

He allegedly took a clothes hanger and hit the boy, who suffered bruises on several parts of his body, including his hands, legs and waist.

The boy ran to his 16-year-old sister’s room to seek shelter, and the teen filed a report at the Yong Peng police station last night, the report said.

The siblings are reported to be living with their father after he divorced their mother, who now resides in Johor Bahru.

Batu Pahat police chief Shahrulanuar Mushaddat Abdullah Sani said the case is being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which provides for a fine of up to RM50,000, or up to 20 years’ imprisonment, or both, upon conviction.