Melaka Tengah police chief Christopher Patit said the 14-year-old student at an Arabic school in Alor Gajah is in police custody and cooperating with investigations, Utusan Malaysia reported.

The case is being investigated for murder.

“After checking with the school, we can confirm that the teenager has never had any disciplinary action taken against him before,” Patit was quoted as saying.

The Malay daily also quoted a witness as saying the teenager was possibly possessed.

Patit reminded the public against speculating on the case and to avoid spreading any fake news.

It was reported yesterday that a neighbour had received a call from the boys’ mother at about noon after she realised that the teenager, the oldest of four siblings, was choking his younger brother.

Sinar Harian had also reported that the victim had not gone to school yesterday as he was feeling unwell, while his brother had been experiencing “health issues” for the past few weeks.