20-8-2024Â (ALOR SETAR) Local authorities have apprehended a foreign national on suspicion of a gruesome double murder involving his wife and young daughter. The bodies of the victims were discovered in a drainage ditch behind an abandoned building, prompting an immediate police investigation.
Kota Setar District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Siti Nor Salawati Saad, revealed that the alarm was raised by members of the public at 5:04 pm on Monday, 19 August. The macabre discovery led to a swift response from law enforcement, who arrived at the scene to find the bodies of a 34-year-old woman and her 10-year-old daughter.
“Initial examinations revealed that both victims were fully clothed and found in close proximity to each other in a small drain,” ACP Siti Nor Salawati stated. “Disturbingly, wound marks were evident on their necks, suggesting foul play. The absence of identification documents has complicated the immediate identification process, though we believe the deceased to be of foreign nationality.”
The bodies have been transferred to the Forensic Department of Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Setar for comprehensive post-mortem examinations, which are expected to provide crucial evidence for the ongoing investigation.
In a rapid development, police intelligence led to the arrest of a 34-year-old foreign man, believed to be the husband of the adult victim and father of the child. The suspect was apprehended at the Bukit Pinang Mosque at 9 pm on the same day, just hours after the bodies were discovered.
“The suspect is scheduled to appear before the Alor Setar Court today for a remand application,” ACP Siti Nor Salawati explained. “This will allow us to detain him for further questioning as we pursue our investigation under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which pertains to murder charges.”
The police chief emphasised the importance of public cooperation during this sensitive time, urging citizens to refrain from speculation that could potentially hamper the investigation or cause undue distress within the community. “We understand the public’s concern, but it is crucial that we allow the investigative process to unfold without interference,” she added.
Authorities have issued an appeal for any individuals with information relevant to the case to come forward. The senior investigating officer of the Kota Setar Criminal Investigation Division is standing by to receive any leads that might assist in piecing together the events leading up to this tragic incident.
