Two siblings aged six and eight years old respectively tragically lost their lives after the car they were in slipped into a river in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan yesterday (Sept 4).
However, a huge twist to the story emerged in the form of the children’s parents being arrested by police, who believe something sinister may have occurred.
Were inside the car with mother
According to Port Dickson District Police Chief, Superintendent Maslan Udin, he said the family of four were chilling in the area when the father stepped out of the car to smoke, leaving his wife and kids inside the car.
The father claimed that the car, which had its engine turned off and was parked by the riverbank, suddenly slipped into the river.
“The tide was low at the time and the victims and their mother began screaming for help. Members of the public quickly came to their rescue and managed to save the wife, but the kids sank into the river along with the car.
“The rescue team managed to save one of the kids at around 1.30 pm, with her younger younger sibling following suit 20 minutes later. However, both were pronounced dead after resuscitation efforts failed,” he said.
Maslan said initial investigations found that the family had been in the area for two to three days to rest and fish.
He added the car was parked about 10 meters from the riverbank and is believed to have fallen into the river due to a technical issue.
Victims’ parents arrested
The children’s parents were later nabbed by police after they both gave “suspicious” statements to police regarding the incident, reported Sinar Harian.
Negeri Sembilan Police Chief Datuk Alzafny Ahmad said checks revealed that the kids’ father had 16 criminal records, four of which were outstanding cases, while his wife had none. Both also tested negative for drugs.
The car was also found to have been reported stolen in Nusa Bestari, Johor, which went back all the way to 2022.
The couple is expected to be taken to the Seremban Court for a remand order and police are now investigating the case under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
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