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Minister urges disgruntled farmer to aid poison crackers probe

KUBANG PASU: A disgruntled farmer, remanded to assist in the investigation into the deaths of two boys who died from ingesting poisoned crackers in Kulim last month, has been urged to share any new information with the police.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the man, 34, was welcomed to do so to assist the probe.

"If anyone under investigation feels dissatisfied and has information that may indicate involvement beyond just himself or others, he is welcome to share it with the police.

"This investigation is progressive, not static, it doesn't end at a single point. The purpose is to gather reliable information to complete the investigation.

"The police will then hand it (the investigation paper) over to the Attorney-General's Chambers (A-GC) for further action," he told reporters after launching the state-level Merdeka Day celebration at Politeknik Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah in Jitra today.

In a Facebook post yesterday, the farmer expressed frustration over his time in custody and being accused of running away from the police.

In a video he attached to the post, he showed the fence where the crackers were placed, which he said was intended to deter monkeys.

He argued that it was unlikely the children could access the crackers as they were placed inside the fenced area, not along the road.

Meanwhile, Saifuddin assured the police had acted in accordance with the law, including seeking a remand order against the farmer.

On July 10, it was reported the man was remanded for six days to assist in the investigation into the deaths of two children, who died after consuming poisoned crackers.

The remand order was later extended by two days to aid in the investigation under Section 31(1)(a) of Act 611 for child neglect and Section 284 of the Penal Code for negligent conduct with respect to poisonous substances.

On July 7, the two brothers, Muhammad Akil Syauqi, 3, and Muhammad Luth Syauqi, 2, fell ill and were rushed to the hospital after eating the crackers laced with rat poison.

Akil died on July 10, while Luth died two days later.

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