Man remanded seven days over five-year-old niece's death in Kota Tinggi

KOTA TINGGI: A man was remanded for seven days from today over the death of his five-year-old niece, whom he allegedly threw into a river at Kampung Padang, Tanjung Sedili yesterday.

The 37-year-old suspect's remand order, which runs until Sept 28, was issued by Sessions Court Judge Hafizah Abdul Rajak.

The case is being investigated 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.

District police chief Superintendent Yusof Othman said the suspect was arrested after a report was lodged at 9.30am yesterday.

Preliminary investigations found that the suspect had allegedly thrown his niece, Nur Afiyah Qalesya Mustafa, into the river before going on a rampage armed with a parang and chasing the girl's 40-year-old father.

A policeman was also injured in a struggle while attempting to subdue the suspect.

Yusof said the motive remained under investigation and the suspect was believed to have a history of mental health problems.

The victim's body was sent to Pasir Gudang Hospital for a post-mortem examination and is expected to be buried at the Kampung Sayang Muslim cemetery in Tanjung Sedili.