Police have detained four individuals in connection with a gruesome murder case following the discovery of six human skeletons in a burnt abandoned house within a palm oil plantation in Kangkar Pulai, Skudai. The case also sheds light on the earlier disappearance of a five-member family.
Johor Police Chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the suspects—three men and one woman, all Malaysian citizens aged between 19 and 35—were arrested on January 21 in the Iskandar Puteri area.
Initial investigations revealed that the four suspects were acquaintances and drug users, with police records confirming prior criminal histories. “Preliminary urine tests showed three of the suspects tested positive for methamphetamine,” Ab Rahaman stated during a press conference at the Johor Contingent Police Headquarters (IPK) on Tuesday.
The case came to light after a 48-year-old man filed a police report at 1.28pm on January 9 regarding the discovery of human skeletons in the burnt house. The man had been searching for his wife and children, who had long been separated and were believed to be living in the property.
“Upon inspection, six human skeletons were found inside the burnt house,” Ab Rahaman said. Forensic examination confirmed the remains included two adults—a 29-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman who were acquaintances—and four children, all the woman’s: a 17-year-old girl, two girls aged five and nine, and a two-year-old boy.
Forensic experts believe all victims were murdered and their bodies burned approximately three months ago.
The investigation papers have been submitted to the Johor Attorney General’s Office, and two male suspects will face charges under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder. “The remaining two suspects were released on police bail and will be called as witnesses. The charges will be filed at the Johor Bahru Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday,” Ab Rahaman added.
If convicted, the suspects could face the death penalty or imprisonment ranging from 30 to 40 years, with a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane.
Authorities have urged the public not to speculate or circulate unverified information that could disrupt the investigation or court proceedings. “Anyone with further information is advised to come forward at the nearest police station or contact the investigation hotline,” he said.
