Five-year-old girl found dead after uncle allegedly throws her into river in Johor

Police have arrested a 37-year-old man after his five-year-old niece was found dead in a river in Kampung Padang, Tanjung Sedili. — Bernama pic

First Published: Monday, 21 Sep 2026 8:17 PM MYT

KOTA TINGGI, Sept 21 — A five-year-old girl was found dead, believed to have been thrown into a river by her uncle in Kampung Padang, Tanjung Sedili here, this morning.

Kota Tinggi District Police Chief Supt Yusof Othman said police received a report at about 9:30am regarding a 37-year-old local man who went on a rampage armed with a machete while chasing a 40-year-old man.

He said initial investigations found that prior to the incident, the suspect was believed to have thrown the victim into the river.

“Acting on information, a police team went to the location of the incident, and a struggle ensued resulting in injuries to one of the personnel, but the suspect was eventually arrested,” he said in a statement today.

Yusof said a medical assistant confirmed the death, and the victim’s body was sent to Kota Tinggi Hospital before being brought to the Forensic Department of Pasir Gudang Hospital tomorrow for a post-mortem.

He added that the motive and cause of the incident are still under investigation, and the suspect is also believed to have mental health issues.

The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code. — Bernama