A TODDLER aged one year and eleven months has died following suspected abuse by his biological father and stepmother in Kampung Banggol, Manir, prompting a police investigation and the arrest of the couple.
The child, identified as Muhamad Aish Rayyan Muhammad Saiful Ikhwan, was pronounced dead at Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital (HSNZ) at approximately 2.05pm yesterday after being admitted in an unresponsive state.
Kuala Terengganu District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Azli Mohd Noor, confirmed the case and said a post-mortem revealed the boy had suffered extensive injuries, including bruises, abrasions, and brain trauma.
“The cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head, not due to an accident. Internal bleeding in the brain was evident, along with bruises on the body, face and neck,” he said.
The child was initially brought to the Manir Health Clinic three days ago by the suspects before being transferred to hospital around 1pm.
The couple, aged 27 and 30, were arrested at the Jalan Pantai funeral facility in Rhu Muda, Marang at 10pm last night following the child’s funeral rites. They were taken to the Kuala Terengganu Magistrate’s Court this morning, where police obtained a seven-day remand order.
The case is being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 for suspected child neglect.
Initial investigations revealed that both suspects admitted to beating the victim on the calves with a clothes hanger. Five days prior to the incident, the child allegedly climbed a gate and fell, causing swelling on his head. Ice was applied to reduce the swelling, and he appeared to return to normal.
Twelve hours later, the father reportedly left the house, leaving the child in the care of his stepmother and older sibling.
The next day at around noon, the stepmother attempted to wake the child to feed him milk, only to find him unresponsive. She allegedly performed a neck massage, fearing he was having a seizure, which later left visible bruising.
Police have also seized a black clothes hanger believed to have been used in the abuse.- August 10, 2025
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