KUCHING: A 32-year-old mechanic has been charged in the Magistrate’s Court here with the murder of a three-year-old girl in Kampung Rampangi, Santubong, earlier this month.
The accused, Mohammad Shukri Ryan, was brought before Magistrate Nursyaheeqa Nazwa Radzali this morning. The charge was read out to him, and he only nodded in acknowledgment. No plea was recorded as the case falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court.
According to the charge, Mohammad Shukri is accused of murdering Nurzahieyka Zainuddin, three, at a house in Kampung Rampangi, Jalan Sultan Tengah, around 7.45pm on October 7.
The charge was framed under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty or, following recent amendments, imprisonment of between 30 and 40 years and no fewer than 12 strokes of the cane, upon conviction.
The court fixed November 21 for re-mention of the case pending the completion of the autopsy report and other relevant investigations.
The prosecution was led by Deputy Public Prosecutor Chuah Kai Sheng, while the accused was unrepresented during the proceeding.
It was earlier reported that the victim, a three-year-old girl, was found unconscious at the suspect’s residence before being rushed to the hospital. However, she was pronounced dead upon arrival. Following investigations, the suspect was arrested and remanded for further questioning.
The tragic case has shocked the local community in Santubong, with neighbours expressing disbelief over the alleged crime. Authorities have urged the public not to speculate while the case is still under investigation.
The matter will now be brought before the High Court once the necessary reports are completed.
