A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Penampang, Sabah, when an 81-year-old woman was violently attacked by her own son after she paused briefly during a massage. The shocking event took place on April 17, when the elderly woman, exhausted after returning from a clinic visit, tried to fulfill her son's request for a massage despite her fatigue.
The 46-year-old man, identified as Azmi @ Andrew Ghani, grew furious when his mother momentarily stopped to rest and get a drink from the kitchen. What should have been a simple break quickly escalated into a heated argument, which tragically turned physical.
According to reports, Azmi punched his mother in the face and kicked her in the abdomen after she collapsed to the ground. Struggling with immense pain, the elderly woman managed to call for an ambulance, which transported her to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu. Medical staff, noticing bruises on her face and body, promptly alerted the police to the suspected abuse.
The case progressed swiftly, and on April 24, Azmi was brought before the Kota Kinabalu Magistrate Court. Standing unrepresented, he pleaded guilty to the charge of assaulting his mother. Although he appealed for a lighter sentence, Prosecuting Officer Inspector Yusdi Basri urged the court to impose a harsher penalty, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime and noting that Azmi had a prior criminal record for a similar offense back in 2020.
Highlighting the need for a strong deterrent, the prosecution argued that harming an elderly, especially a biological parent, warranted strict punishment. The court agreed, sentencing Azmi to 24 months in prison under Section 323 of the Penal Code, read in conjunction with Section 326A.
The disturbing case has drawn widespread condemnation, with many expressing outrage over the mistreatment of the elderly, particularly by their own family members. It serves as a painful reminder of the vulnerability of senior citizens and the importance of protecting their dignity and well-being.
Authorities continue to urge the public to report any instances of elder abuse, stressing that such behavior must not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Information Source: WOB
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