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POLICE in Sarawak have taken a formal statement from the mother of a three-year-old girl who died in an alleged case of fatal abuse in Kampung Rampangi, Santubong, on Tuesday.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah said the 37-year-old woman has not been detained, as investigations into the child’s death are still in progress.
“So far, we have only recorded the mother’s statement to assist with the investigation, and there is no need to detain her at this point,” he told reporters after attending the monthly police assembly at the Sarawak Contingent Police Headquarters.
Investigators are also looking into the relationship between the woman and the 32-year-old male suspect, who remains in custody.
“We believe they are acquainted, but the exact nature of their relationship is still under investigation… it could be just friends or possibly a romantic relationship. We will let you know, but they are certainly not married,” Mohamad Zainal said.
The suspect was arrested within 24 hours of the incident and subsequently tested positive for drugs.
A post-mortem examination on the victim was conducted earlier today, and police have pledged a comprehensive investigation.
Kuching police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu (pic) confirmed that the suspect was detained in Kampung Krian, Jalan Padawan, and is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
Background checks revealed the man has six previous criminal records; all related to drug offences.
Meanwhile, the 32-year-old man has been remanded for seven days to assist in the investigation into the death of a three-year-old girl in an incident at Kampung Rampangi, Santubong, here on Tuesday.
The remand order, effective tomorrow, was issued by Assistant Registrar Aida Montong at the Magistrate’s Court here following the approval of Sarawak police’s application.
“The complainant said he was informed by a friend that their daughter had died around 9.45 pm on Tuesday. Preliminary investigations suggest that the victim may have been fatally abused.
“Acting on information, police from the Criminal Investigation Division of the Kuching District Police Headquarters arrested the suspect in Kampung Krian, Jalan Padawan at 11 am yesterday,” he said in a statement.
Alexson said checks revealed that the suspect has six prior drug-related offences, and an initial urine test also confirmed he had tested positive for drugs.
The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, which carries the death penalty or imprisonment of 30 to 40 years, along with a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane if convicted. - October10, 2025