A father who was arrested for stealing schooling items at a supermarket in Johor Bahru yesterday is not a welfare recipient from the Social Welfare Department.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim said checks found that he did not qualify for welfare aid.

"He has enough income and does not qualify for welfare aid. More likely it is a habit. We have provided psychology counselling," she told reporters after handing over school items at the 'Back To School' event here Tuesday.

Rohani said the suspect's eldest son is only three years old and there is no need for him to get school clothes.

The suspect, who worked as a cook at a government department for 13 years, had gone to the supermarket with his son and stole goods worth RM415.06.

He was released on police bail but investigation is still ongoing. - Bernama