PETALING JAYA (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - The future of two-year-old Angie Tiong, who was allegedly sold to a Singaporean couple by her father, has been the subject of debate on social media. Many are in favour of the toddler being in the custody of her adoptive family.

In an online poll by The Star asking readers what they thought was best for the child, 77 per cent of the 115 votes cast said the best thing for Angie was for her to be with her adoptive parents .

Only 18 supported the idea of returning Angie to her relatives in Malaysia.

Six supported the suggestion to allow the toddler to remain in the custody of the Welfare Department, while only three voted for her to be returned to her biological parents.

Malaysians also took to The Star Online's Facebook page to share their thoughts on Angie's future.

Just like in the poll, many were convinced Angie's future would be brighter if she was cared for by the adoptive parents.

"She can't make a choice but she deserves a good family," said reader Chin Yoke Har.

Mr Jason Khaw suggested that Angie deserved to be cared for by responsible guardians, and said the adoptive couple from Singapore were the child's "best bet".

"Early childhood matters and we certainly do not want this issue to drag on and eventually jeopardise the growth and development of the little girl," he said.

Ms Amreeta Kaur agreed that Angie should be allowed to grow up with the couple from Singapore. However, she also called for a thorough background search on them to ensure that they would be able to provide a home "filled with love and security".

Another reader Laihun Ong suggested that charity organisations should look into Angie's welfare if her relatives were given custody.