Kuala Lumpur - A Malaysian court has charged a Singaporean national for allegedly murdering his 7-year-old Thai stepson last month, a news report said Tuesday.

The victim, Siwakorn Sukuntha, was believed to have been killed after receiving multiple blows to his body and head at his home sometime between December 24-27, the Star online news portal reported.

The Magistrate Court in the southern Johor state charged 31-year old Shawal Senin with murdering the young boy, believed to be a victim of repeated abuse.

Siwakorn's 30-year-old mother, who is also a Thai national, was detained along with her husband.

Police later released her, but charged Shawal with murder, the report said. (dpa)