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Johor boy died from Leptospirosis, not abuse

Jul 10, 2017

Post-mortem results confirm that an 11-year-old religious school student in Johor, who was earlier thought to have died from abuse, had actually died from Leptospirosis.

The Health Ministry says the organ failure, and discoloration in the boy's legs that were earlier believed to be bruises as a result of caning, were caused by the disease and further skin and blood complications. 

With this latest development, police are now expected to update their investigation papers, and wait for further instructions from the Deputy Public Prosecutor.

A warden from the school, who had earlier been arrested for murder, was released from remand last month.

Separately, a couple in Johor has been arrested for suspected abuse of their 21-month-old adopted son. 

The boy, who is now in critical condition, had burn marks, as well as old and fresh wounds when he was admitted into hospital.

This is also the third time the boy had been admitted, which raised the suspicion of doctors.