IPOH: The husband and wife who allegedly abused and caused the death of their eight-year-old niece have been charged with murder at a Magistrate's Court here.

       Zainuddin Noh and Norhazleyana Azreen Abdul Hamid, both 40, were jointly charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, also read with Section 34, for a criminal act done in furtherance of a common intention, before Magistrate Jessica Daimis on Wednesday (May 25).

       No plea was recorded.

       They were charged with committing the offence at their house in Desa Pengkalan here from 10pm on May 13 to 7am on May 14.

       The accused were represented by Nurul Syuhada Mohd Yusof while Perak prosecution director Azlina Rasdi prosecuted.

       Both accused also face two charges at the Sessions Court under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act, also read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code, for abusing the victim's six-year-old brother, causing physical injuries.

       They pleaded not guilty after the charges were read to them before Sessions judge Norashima Khalid.

       They were said to have committed the offences at the same address on two occasions on May 13, at 1.30pm and 10.30pm.

       Zainuddin and Norhazleyana Azreen were both denied bail.

       Mention for the cases was set for June 30.

       Deputy public prosecutor Nurul Hafizah Mohammad Pauzi prosecuted.