A decomposed body believed to be that of a murder victim was discovered wrapped in a rolled-up mattress inside a shop lot in Pokok Mangga, Melaka, on Thursday evening.
Melaka Police Chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said police received a report on the incident at about 7pm after the property owner went to check on the unit.
He said the owner had been unable to contact the tenant for several days and decided to inspect the premises personally.
Upon entering the shop lot, the owner was hit by a foul smell before discovering a mattress bundle in the living area, prompting an immediate call to the police.
General investigations found that the body had likely been dead for more than two weeks, with the remains already in a severely decomposed state.
Police said the identity of the victim has not yet been confirmed due to the condition of the body, which is believed to have been dead for between two weeks and a month.
Initial findings also indicated possible elements of foul play based on the condition of the victim and the scene inside the premises.
Following the discovery, police arrested a man in his 40s believed to be the son of the shop lot tenant to assist investigations.
The suspect reportedly tested positive for methamphetamine and has a criminal record involving seven prior offences. He was also said to be under the influence of drugs at the time of arrest and was initially uncooperative with investigators.
Police believe the victim may have had a connection to the suspect, while the motive for the alleged murder is still under investigation.
Authorities said efforts are ongoing to identify the victim and establish the circumstances surrounding the death, adding that the case is expected to be resolved soon.
