JOHOR BARU, MALAYSIA - AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD boy Thai boy, believed to be a victim of abuse, was found dead in his home at an apartment building in Tampoi.

There were several marks on the body, hands, legs and head. The body of the boy was discovered about 3.20pm on Saturday.

Police have detained the boy's 30-year-old mother, who is also a Thai national, and his 31-year-old Singaporean stepfather to assist in investigations.

Johor Baru (North) deputy OCPD Supt Mohd Akhir Ishak said police were alerted by neighbours who heard a commotion in the boy's home.

'We discovered the body in the back room of the apartment. We believe he died at 2pm and we are still ascertaining the cause of death,' he said, adding that the body was sent to the Sultanah Aminah Hospital.

The post-mortem result showed that the boy died from multiple injuries expecially from those inflicted on the head.

Supt Mohd Akhir said initial investigations showed that the boy is believed to have been abused by the stepfather, who used a feather duster.

He urged anyone with information to contact the police hotline at 07-221 2999 or the nearest police station. -- THE STAR