7-11-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) A horrific incident unfolded in Bandar Baru Air Itam on Thursday afternoon when a 32-year-old man allegedly murdered a woman and her elderly father before attempting to take his own life, in what police believe may have stemmed from rejected romantic advances.
The victims, identified as Siti Zulaila Zulkifli, 30, a hardware store employee, and her 62-year-old father Zulkifli Ibrahim, a driver, were discovered with multiple stab wounds at approximately 1:15 PM in their apartment complex. The assailant was found on the ground floor with self-inflicted injuries and was rushed to Penang Hospital for treatment.
Penang Police Chief Commissioner Datuk Hamzah Ahmad confirmed that the suspect had been seen behaving suspiciously in the apartment block earlier, armed with a knife. “Upon arrival, our officers discovered three individuals in a pool of blood. Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, whilst the third person, who had sustained multiple cut and stab wounds, was immediately transported to hospital,” he stated.
The case, now being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, has been deemed “solved” following the suspect’s arrest and the recovery of the murder weapon. Commissioner Hamzah has appealed for witnesses to come forward while urging the public to refrain from speculation on social media platforms.
Family sources revealed that Siti Zulaila, who is survived by her husband and three children aged between 18 months and 10 years, has a twin sister and a younger sibling. A relative, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasised that the suspect was not romantically involved with the deceased woman.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the local community, with family members gathering near the apartment complex’s lift area, visibly distraught. Siti Zulaila’s mother, present at the scene, declined to comment on the incident.
Authorities have scheduled post-mortem examinations for both victims for Friday, as investigators continue to explore various motives behind the attack. Police sources suggest that the suspect’s actions may have been driven by anger and frustration following romantic rejection, though official confirmation is pending as the investigation continues.
The incident has highlighted concerns about personal safety and the potential dangers of rejected advances, prompting discussions about support systems and protection measures within the community.
