Kuala lumpur: A lorry attendant was sentenced to 18 years in prison and two strokes of the cane by the Sessions Court here after pleading guilty to charges related to the death and injury of his adopted son.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Judge Mohd Zul Zakiqudin Zulkifli sentenced Muhammad Firdaus Zamri, 31, to 18 years in prison for causing the death of four-year-old Muhammad Adamdanial Abdul Khafidh at an unnumbered house in Kampung Banggol Katong, Terengganu, at about 6 pm on April 11. The charge fell under Section 304 (a) of the Penal Code, which allows for a prison sentence of up to 30 years.

He was also sentenced to four years in prison and two strokes of the cane for causing injury to the child using a cane at the same time, day, and location. This offense was charged under Section 324 of the Penal Code, which provides for a prison sentence of up to 10 years or a fine or whipping or any two of these punishments.

The prison sentences were ordered to be served concurrently from the date of arrest, April 13, meaning the man will only serve a total of 18 years in prison. Defense counsel Muhammad Hafizuddin Abdul Haris, from the National Legal Aid Foundation, appealed for a lighter sentence, noting that his client had shown remorse, would not repeat the offense, and had family dependents to support.

However, Deputy Public Prosecutor Nur Aisyah Mohamad urged the court to impose a heavy sentence, emphasizing that the victim was young, defenseless, and should have been protected by a caregiver rather than subjected to abuse. In delivering the sentence, Judge Mohd Zul Zakiqudin stated that public interest must take priority, describing the offense as a serious breach of trust against a helpless child.