A hostel warden was charged at the magistrate’s court today with murdering a seven-year-old pupil on March 31.

Hanif Mohd Ali, 26, nodded when the charge was read to him before magistrate Nurshahidan Abdul Rahim. No plea was recorded.

He was charged with murdering Saiful Syazani Saiful Sopfidee between 6pm and midnight on March 31 at the hostel of Sekolah Rendah Islam Al Furqan, Jejawi, near Kangar.

The prosecution is represented by Deputy Public Prosecutor Azman Abu Hassan while the accused is represented by Mohd Fikri Abdul Rahman and Zulmi Sabri.

Mohd Fikri had earlier applied to the court that media coverage for the case be limited, claiming that it could prejudice the case, disrupt the court process and expose the case to public discussion.

“I am asking that a prohibition be issued to the media, which limits what can be written,” he said.

Azman objected to the request, saying reporters covering court cases were mature people and that there should be no media restriction imposed on the case.

Nurshahidan rejected Mohd Fikri's request and fixed May 31 for mention.

- Bernama