Justice Aslam Zainuddin handed down the sentence after Zulfikli Joned pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder for causing Nor Hidayah Ahmad’s death.

The prison term will run from the date of his arrest on Sept 15, 2019, said Aslam in his grounds of judgement which were released on Nov 13.

The court ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove the original murder charge, citing a lack of direct evidence linking Zulfikli to the crime.

“Although the evidence may be highly suspicious, mere suspicion can never amount to proof,” Aslam said.

Zulfikli was arrested and initially charged with murder after Hidayah’s remains were discovered at Rumah Pangsa Rampai Idaman in Petaling Jaya on Sept 10, 2019.

Her remains were found wrapped in quilts after her father lodged a police report.

Dr Razuin Rahimi, the pathologist who conducted the post-mortem, concluded that Hidayah had died from asphyxiation due to smothering.

He said there were no external injuries to her skull or ribs.