Ramli said the child’s cause of death was determined after an autopsy was conducted.

“Previous reports mentioned that the victim was choked, but that was not the cause of death.

“Also, the suspect does not have a criminal record and is under remand until March 27,” he said, adding that the investigation paper against the 16-year-old suspect was being completed.

“The investigation involves children so there is not much that I can share.”

The victim was believed to have been beaten up by his housemate, who had accused him of stealing RM4.

According to a Sinar Harian report, the victim was allegedly kicked, choked and thrown to the ground by the older boy last Sunday.

He became unconscious in the surau at the orphanage’s dormitory and was taken to Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan in Kuantan, where he died the same day.