A local man was arrested on May 26 after he recorded himself slapping his 5-year-old son across the face and sending the video to his estranged wife, Judiciary Police (PJ) spokesman Chong Kam Leong said at a regular press conference yesterday morning.
Chong identified the man as a 34-year-old surnamed Hong who told the police that he works as a casino dealer.
According to Chong, Hong and his wife separated last November due to relationship issues, with his son living with Hong in his flat in Patane district. Chong said that Hong’s wife has been visiting their son regularly since their separation.
Chong said that Hong’s wife visited their son again on the night of May 25, and during her visit Hong, who was drunk, argued with her, claiming that she was neglecting their son. Chong said after his wife left, Hong was annoyed by his son crying and told him off, after which Hong recorded himself slapping his son’s face twice.
According to Chong, Hong sent the recording to his wife. Worrying about her son, she hurried back to Hong’s flat and checked on the boy’s condition. Chong said that Hong was not there when his wife returned to his flat, and she decided to report the incident that night to the police.
PJ officers asked Hong to report to the police on May 26. Under questioning, Hong told the police that he was upset about the breakdown of their marriage, and thus vented his anger at his son and beat him
Hong was transferred to the Public Prosecutions Office (MP) on Monday, facing domestic violence charges, according to Chong.
