A five-year-old girl died after she was allegedly thrown into a river by her uncle, who was reportedly armed with a machete and in an agitated state in Kampung Padang, Tanjung Sedili, Kota Tinggi, on Monday.
The incident reportedly occurred at around 9.30am when the 37-year-old suspect allegedly threw the child into the river before she was found unconscious.
Kota Tinggi district police chief Superintendent Yusof Othman said the suspect had also chased the girl’s 40-year-old father and allegedly threatened to hurt him.
“Acting on information received, a team from the Kuala Sedili police station went to the scene and managed to arrest the suspect.
“However, a police officer was injured during a struggle while attempting to apprehend him,” Yusof said in a statement on Monday.
A medical assistant who arrived at the scene later confirmed the child’s death.
The girl’s body was taken to Kota Tinggi Hospital before being transferred to Pasir Gudang Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
The suspect was arrested and is expected to be remanded on Tuesday.
Police said the motive behind the incident was still under investigation, while the suspect was believed to have mental health issues.
The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
