SIBU, Aug 29 — A 49-year-old man has been remanded for six days to facilitate investigations into the death of a five-year-old boy here on Friday.

Sibu police chief ACP Abang Zainal Abidin Abang Ahmad said the suspect was remanded until September 4 following a remand application at the Sibu Magistrates’ Court today.

“The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder,” he said in a statement.

Police received a report from a member of the public at about 1.45pm yesterday concerning an incident involving the boy, who was believed to have suffered an injury to his neck.

The victim was rushed to Sibu Hospital for treatment but was later pronounced dead at the hospital’s Emergency Department.

Following information received, police arrested the 49-year-old suspect believed to be involved in the incident.

Abang Zainal said several items believed to be connected to the case were also seized at the scene.

He said the suspect was currently being held at the Central Police Station lock-up.

“Section 302 of the Penal Code provides for the death penalty or imprisonment for a term of not less than 30 years and not more than 40 years.

“If the offender is not sentenced to death, the offender shall also be liable to whipping of not less than 12 strokes,” he added.

Police advised the public against speculating or disseminating unverified information, and urged them to allow investigators to conduct a thorough investigation. — The Borneo Post