PETALING JAYA: Police are on the hunt for a suspect who is believed to have abused a four-year-old boy in her care at Taman Desaria, Petaling Jaya.

Petaling Jaya police chief, Assistant Commissioner of Police Shahrulnizam Jaafar, said they have identified the suspect, who is now on the run.

The suspect is understood to be a friend of the boy's mother.

"The suspect has fled and we are actively searching for leads.

"We have placed her on the wanted list," he told the New Straits Times after attending an event at QI Tower, here today.

It was previously reported that the victim had been abused by his temporary guardian, after being placed in her care by the child's mother.

The boy had been placed in the woman's care after his mother was arrested for a drug offence on Sept 18, and was later bailed out by her husband on Nov 6.

The child had suffered injuries to his eyes, hands, and buttocks. The guardian had claimed that the injuries were sustained from a firecracker.