A SOMBRE atmosphere enveloped the home of six-year-old Tishant's family in Jalan Rimbun, Bandar Seri Alam, Masai, today as loved ones gathered for the child's funeral.
The religious ceremony began as early as 8am, before the body of the deceased was taken to the Hindu crematorium in Jalan Kebun Teh, for the cremation ceremony.
Some mourners were seen carrying flower garlands to place alongside Tishant in a gesture of farewell.
The hearse carrying Tishant's body to be sent to the crematorium was seen leaving the family's compound at 10.42am.
The family earlier requested no media coverage at the event due to their discomfort with the presence of press members.
Tishant was reported missing on July 24 from Taman Bukit Indah, Iskandar Puteri. Four days later, police discovered his body buried in a remote area in Rompin, Jempol.
The boy’s father, 36, was arrested to assist in the investigation.
The tragedy has sparked an outpouring of grief across the country while investigations revealed the child died from strangulation with a cable tie.
A post-mortem examination at the Forensic Unit of Hospital Rembau determined the cause of death to be neck compression.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to establish the motive behind the killing.
Preliminary questioning suggests the suspect may have been experiencing domestic issues and was undergoing a divorce.
The father had earlier filed a police report claiming his son had disappeared after being left in the car while he stepped out to buy food.
Mother attempts suicide
Earlier, it was reported in The Star, that the victim's mother is believed to have attempted suicide due to grief and trauma over the incident.
Johor women, family and community development committee chairman Khairin Nisa Ismail confirmed the matter when contacted.
"Yes, yesterday (July 29) we sent officers from the state Welfare Department to offer assistance to the victim’s family, but they declined the support.
"We were also informed that Tishant’s mother had tried to take her own life and was sent to a hospital for treatment," she said.
Khairin Nisa added that her office is currently waiting for the hospital’s medical report before providing psychological and other forms of support to the grieving family. - July 30, 2025