KELANTAN police have confirmed that there are no signs of neglect in the tragic death of 19-month-old Hud Aryan Mohd Nor Hafifi, whose body was discovered near a river in Kampung Kerila, Tanah Merah, last Wednesday.
Kelantan’s Police Chief, Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat, revealed that the investigation, which has included statements from five individuals, including the child's parents, indicates no evidence of neglect.
"Based on all the statements taken, no signs of neglect have been detected. However, our investigation is still ongoing, and we will continue to gather statements from other individuals if new witnesses come forward," he said in a statement to the press.
The five individuals who have been interviewed include the child’s parents, grandmother, and aunt.
Mohd Yusoff added that further testimonies would be taken if additional witnesses were identified to assist in the investigation.
At present, authorities have opened an investigation under Section 31(1) of the Child Act 2001, which addresses the welfare of children.
Reports revealed that search and rescue (SAR) teams, along with local residents, had to trek on foot and wade through water as deep as 0.6 meters before locating Hud Aryan’s lifeless body.
The child’s body was found tangled in a tree by the river, about three kilometers from his grandmother's house in Kampung Aira, Kuala Tiga, at approximately 4:15 PM.
Hud Aryan, the only child of Azean Nur Atikah, 34, and Mohd Hafifi Saidi, 34, was reported missing on Monday evening while at his grandmother's home. – March 5, 2025