M Sutha, 26, the toddler’s mother, and her boyfriend S Davandakumar, 28, remained silent and nodded while the charge was read before magistrate P Sarulatha.

The couple was charged with murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code over the death of K Nithish.

The crime was said to have been committed at a house on Jalan Hulubalang 28, Taman Sentosa, here, between 9.30am and 5.30pm on Dec 24.

Harian Metro reported that deputy public prosecutor Nur’Ain Madihah Zilkifli did not offer bail to the accused, who were unrepresented in court.

The court set March 23 for remention and submission of forensic and pathology reports.

On Dec 28, the media reported the death of the toddler after he was apparently abused. Police said it began investigating the case after a report from a medical officer from Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital in Klang.