Police have arrested a married couple suspected of abusing two boys aged five and 13 since last month in Keningau, Sabah. Both victims allegedly suffered abuse involving a clothes iron, iron rod, hot spoon, and scalding water, resulting in injuries and burns. Keningau District Police Chief, Superintendent Yampil Anak Garai, stated that the incident came to light when a 27-year-old man was approached by the 13-year-old victim, who was selling burgers at a premises in the area at noon on March 2nd. 

He reported the incident to the police after seeing pictures of the victim with burn injuries. Both suspects, a 27-year-old husband and his 36-year-old wife, were arrested at their rented house in Keningau town on Thursday evening. 

During investigations, it was revealed that there was another male victim, aged five, whom the suspects also abused. According to reports, the 13-year-old victim is the stepson of the female suspect. She married the teenager's father, and when he was incarcerated for drug abuse, she assumed responsibility for the boy's care.

In contrast, the five-year-old victim is the adopted child of both suspects following their marriage. Yampil stated that investigations found that the abuse occurred at the suspects' rented house between March 24th and March 30th, 2024. 

"The teenage boy was allegedly burned with an iron at least four times on his stomach and back, leaving nearly dried-up burn marks. Additionally, the victim was beaten with wood and iron rods on his back, while the five-year-old victim was scalded with hot water on the floor. 

He also said that the victims were also forced to stand on hot water until both of their feet were scalded. Additionally, the female suspect had applied a hot iron to their left and right hands and backs simply because their scalding scars appeared to be healing. He added that both suspects had prior criminal cases related to drugs. 

"Further investigations are ongoing, and both suspects have been detained for further investigation. The case is being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001," he said.