A MARRIED couple in Melaka have been remanded for seven days following the suspected abuse and death of a nine-year-old girl with physical disabilities, believed to be their daughter.
The 36-year-old mother and 38-year-old stepfather were brought before the Melaka Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday and will remain in custody until next Monday to assist investigations under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
Magistrate Sharda Shienha Mohd Suleiman issued the remand order. The pair, who have been married for four years, arrived at court around 9am in orange lock-up attire, escorted by police.
Sinar Harian cited the deceased child, who was physically disabled and unable to walk, was the second of three siblings. She is also believed to have had a younger half-sibling aged three from her mother’s second marriage.
The case came to light after the stepfather took the unconscious child to a private hospital, prompting a police report by hospital staff around 9.45am.
A source familiar with the case said medical personnel were alarmed by the presence of injuries “consistent with abuse”.
“Preliminary examinations revealed the child had a broken leg, as well as bruises on her head and body,” the source said.
The girl reportedly succumbed to her injuries while receiving treatment in the hospital’s emergency unit.
The case has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for vigilance in protecting vulnerable children, particularly those with disabilities. - June 24, 2025
