Gombak police chief Noor Ariffin Nasir said the two, who are the biological mother and stepfather of the child, were arrested at 9pm after police received information about the victim’s death at the house at 3.30pm.

“Preliminary examination found there were injuries and bruises on the face, hands, legs and body of the victim, believed caused by belts, cloth hangers and blunt weapons.”

The victim’s body was sent to the Sungai Buloh Hospital for a post-mortem. Police are investigating the case as a murder.

Noor Ariffin said the two suspects, aged 29 and 28, would be remanded for seven days (until Aug 24) to facilitate investigations. One worked as a guard and the other as an ice cream maker.

He said the victim, a Year 2 student, had not attended school since June.

“Members of the public who have information regarding this incident are urged to come forward and channel information to the investigating officer ASP Hamizan Yunus at 013-8348384 or contact Gombak police at 03-61262222.