The charge, framed under Section 302 of the Penal Code, was read to the accused before magistrate Sharda Shienha Suleiman.

The accused, clad in a blue t-shirt and sports pants, merely nodded when the charge was read to him. He was accompanied by his parents.

No plea was recorded as murder falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court.

Sharda set Aug 22 for case mention.

According to Berita Harian, the court also ordered for the accused to undergo psychiatric assessment at Permai Hospital in Johor Bahru.

Deputy public prosecutor Ehsan Nasarudin prosecuted, while the boy was unrepresented.

On July 5, Sinar Harian reported that a neighbour had received a call from the children’s mother at about noon informing her of an incident involving the boy, the eldest of four, and his younger brother.

The report said the victim had not gone to school as he was unwell, while his brother had been experiencing “health issues” the past few weeks.