KUALA LUMPUR: Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin hoped that the 13-year-old girl with Down Syndrome known as Bella, who is believed to have been abused, would get justice.

She also hoped that all those responsible for the act would be punished accordingly.

"A video recording depicting Bella's injuries and wounds had gone viral on social media.

"Bella's suffering as a result of being abused is very heart-wrenching. Like any other Malaysians, I am also deeply affected by the video and photos depicting the unfortunate incident that has befallen the teenage girl," she said in a statement today.

Zuraida also thanked Malaysians for their concern over the incident.

"I pray that little Bella will recover soon and have a healthy and happy life again," she said.

Bella's plight went viral on social media after a woman claimed the young girl was splashed with hot water and tied up when under the care of an NGO's welfare home.

-- BERNAMA