GEORGE TOWN, July 29 -- Police investigations have found no criminal elements, including human trafficking or abuse, in the case involving 20 children who were rescued from a warehouse in Bukit Mertajam last week.

Acting Penang Police Chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin confirmed today that the case has been handed over to the Penang Welfare Department (JKM) for further action.

"We have recorded statements from all the children, including the mother of the baby," he said when contacted by the media.

"After we carried out further investigations, no criminal elements were detected. We did not find elements of abuse, human trafficking, or other crimes."

The case drew public attention after a joint special operation by JKM and the police ...