[UPDATED] Boy, 9, suspected of slashing younger sibling, police probe Roblox link

JOHOR BARU: Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said initial investigations indicated that a nine-year-old boy had been obsessively playing the online game Roblox before allegedly attacking his younger brother early on Monday (Oct 27) at Kampung Parit Nipah Laut, Parit Raja in Batu Pahat.

“Preliminary findings suggest the injuries were inflicted by the boy’s nine-year-old sibling. The motive is still under investigation, but we discovered that he had been playing Roblox excessively on his mobile phone,” he said following the Johor police contingent’s monthly assembly at the state headquarters today.

He added that the boy had reportedly accumulated nearly one million points in the game before his younger brother accidentally damaged his phone, causing him to lose his progress.

“During questioning, the boy claimed he began experiencing hallucinations that night, as if instructed to harm his family members. He then took a knife and attacked his younger brother,” he said, adding that investigations are ongoing to verify the minor’s statement.

The boys’ parents, both in their 40s, have been detained to assist in investigations under Section 326 of the Penal Code for causing grievous hurt and Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 for child neglect.

The six-year-old victim is currently being treated at Sultanah Nora Ismail Hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.

“We are still unable to record his statement as he has not yet fully recovered. Both children are now under the supervision of the Social Welfare Department,” Ab Rahaman said, adding that the investigation papers had been referred to the state Legal Adviser’s Office for further action.

Earlier, the parents were remanded for two days to assist with the probe.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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