By Meera Vijayan

JOHOR BARU, MALAYSIA: An unemployed 31-year-old Singaporean was charged at a Magistrates Court here with the murder of his seven-year-old Thai stepson, Siwakorn Sukuntha.

The accused, Shawal Senin, was charged with committing the offence between 9pm on Dec 24 and 1pm on Dec 27 at 08-04, Block A, Pulai View Condo in Taman Kobena, Tampoi.

He was charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Husmin Hussin.

Magistrate Nor Shahid Abdul Malik fixed March 10 for mention pending the post-mortem report.

Siwakorn, believed to be a victim of abuse, was found dead at his home in an apartment building in Tampoi on Dec 27 last year. There were several marks on his body, hands, legs and head.

Police first detained the boy's 30-year-old mother, who is also a Thai national, and Shawal.

An initial post-mortem indicated the boy had died from multiple injuries, especially from those inflicted on the head.