A man shown in a viral video kicking a young girl at a Thai restaurant in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, is under police investigation.

The suspect, who is in his 40s, is the girl's father, reported the New Straits Times on Monday (Sept 14).

He turned himself in on Sunday after the police said in a statement earlier in the day that they are tracking down the suspect and victim.

Kota Baru police chief Mohd Azmir Damiri said a member of the public reported the video at 10.24pm on Saturday.

"The video shows the man kicking a young girl, believed to be his daughter, at a well-known Thai restaurant in Telipot. It was uploaded by the restaurant owner on Facebook," he said.

The video had gone viral on Threads, The Sun, a Malaysian publication, reported.

Assistant Commissioner Mohd Azmir said the case is being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001.

The provision covers the abuse, neglect or abandonment of a child.

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helmy.saat@asiaone.com