ALOR GAJAH: A 27-year-old trader suspected of molesting, assaulting and confining his two young stepdaughters has been remanded for seven days.

 The remand order was issued by magistrate Dr Teoh Shu Yee on Monday (July 14) to assist in investigations under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 and Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.

 The incident came to light recently when the 25-year-old mother of the two daughters, aged five and six, took them out for a meal in Cheng near here.

 She then received a call from the suspect, her ex-husband, who requested to meet up.

Suddenly, the eldest daughter began crying in fear and refused to see the suspect.

The child claimed that their stepfather had frequently physically assaulted both her and her sister whenever their mother was not at home.

 The six-year-old victim later revealed that while she was in the bedroom, the suspect had allegedly molested her repeatedly.

 The victim also alleged that the suspect taped her mouth shut and locked her inside a box, before threatening her not to tell others about the incident.

 Both victims are currently receiving treatment at Hospital Melaka.

 A police team was dispatched on Sunday (July 13) to arrest the suspect from a residence near here following a report lodged by the mother at the Rembia police station the same day.