A 13-year-old teenager, who holds an Indonesian passport, appeared in the High Court in Sabah to plead not guilty to the charge of murdering his girlfriend of the same age, Nur Zahirah Safarudin.
The alleged crime took place between 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM on January 4, 2023. Nur Zahirah, who had no ID, was found dead at an oil palm plantation.
Reports indicate that the victim's body was discovered in a drain at the scene of the crime, with her hands tied and injuries to her head.
There is also suspicion that she was sexually assaulted.
The teen is facing charges under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which, if convicted, carries the death penalty.