Man charged with murder of 5-year-old niece

Abadi Yasro, a roti canai maker, appeared in the Kota Tinggi magistrates court today, charged with the murder of his five-year-old niece. Putri Nur Affiya Qhalhesya Shahrul was discovered dead in Kampung Padang, Tanjung Sedili, Kota Tinggi, on September 21. The incident occurred at around 8:20 am, according to the charge sheet. No plea was entered on behalf of the accused, aged 37, as murder cases are heard in the High Court.

The charge under Section 302 of the Penal Code can result in either the death penalty or imprisonment for between 30 and 40 years, with a minimum of 12 strokes of the rotan if the death penalty is not imposed. Deputy public prosecutor Wan Nuraini Shapee requested that Abadi be transferred to Hospital Permai in Johor Bahru for a mental health assessment.

A medical examination and post-mortem report submission were scheduled for November 26. Police received the initial report of the incident at approximately 9:30 am. Upon arrival, a confrontation ensued between police and the suspect, resulting in injuries to one officer. The suspect was subsequently apprehended.