Uncle remanded seven days over death of five-year-old girl allegedly thrown into Johor river

Policemen escort the man (centre), who allegedly hurled his niece into a river in Kampung Padang, Tanjung Sedili, Kota Tinggi, resulting in her death yesterday, at the Kota Tinggi Court Complex this morning. He was later remanded for seven days to assist in the investigation. — Picture by Ben Tan

By Ben Tan

First Published: Tuesday, 22 Sep 2026 11:22 AM MYT

KOTA TINGGI, Sept 22 — A 37-year-old man who allegedly threw his five-year-old niece into a river in Kampung Padang, Tanjung Sedili here, causing her death yesterday, has been remanded for seven days to assist in the investigation.

Sessions Court Judge Hafizah Abdul Rajak granted the police’s remand application until September 28 to facilitate investigations under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.

The suspect, who had been receiving treatment at Kota Tinggi Hospital, arrived at the court complex at 9am today, escorted by policemen.

It was reported yesterday that police arrested a local man for allegedly throwing his niece into a river, resulting in her death.

Kota Tinggi police chief Superintendent Yusof Othman said police received a report at about 9.30am before arresting the suspect.

The suspect, who was also the deceased girl’s uncle, allegedly threw the victim into the river before going on a rampage while armed with a machete and chasing the victim’s 40-year-old father.

A police officer was also injured during a struggle while attempting to apprehend the suspect.

Police are still investigating the motive behind the incident, while the suspect is believed to have mental health issues.

The victim’s body was sent to Pasir Gudang Hospital and is expected to be buried in Kampung Sayang here after the post-mortem examination is completed.