Police believe jealousy or unrequited love may have been the motive behind a brutal stabbing incident involving a real estate agent and his female acquaintance inside a Mazda car at Jalan Titi Gajah on Sunday night.
Kedah police chief Adzli Abu Shah said initial investigations found that the 32-year-old suspect and the 35-year-old victim had known each other for more than a year through their work as real estate agents, although they were employed by different companies.
“Their relationship is believed to be that of acquaintances working in the same industry. At this stage, we believe the motive could be jealousy or feelings that were not reciprocated,” he said during a press conference at the Kedah police contingent headquarters.
Police are also expected to call family members and friends of the victim to assist in the investigation.
In the incident, which occurred at around 9.19pm, the victim — a single mother of two — suffered a stab wound that pierced through the left and right sides of her neck.
Investigators believe the woman was seated in the driver’s seat while the suspect occupied the front passenger seat when the attack happened.
Despite her injuries, the victim reportedly managed to repeatedly sound the car horn to attract public attention before the suspect fled the scene.
Adzli said the quick response from members of the public and staff from a nearby clinic, who provided immediate assistance, likely helped save the victim’s life.
The woman is currently reported to be in stable condition.
Police are still searching for the weapon used in the attack, which is believed to possibly be a “Rambo” knife, an ice pick or a screwdriver.
The suspect, who is divorced, was arrested around four hours after the incident with the assistance of the K9 Unit.
“He was found hiding near a mosque in Taman Uda at around 1.50am after allegedly fleeing through paddy fields for approximately 6.2 kilometres,” Adzli said.
The suspect has been remanded for seven days beginning Monday, with the case being investigated under Section 326 of the Penal Code for causing grievous hurt using a weapon.
Police also revealed that the suspect tested negative for drugs but has a previous criminal record involving a similar offence under the same section for allegedly stabbing another woman believed to be his girlfriend.
However, the earlier case was reportedly dropped after the previous victim declined to pursue legal action.
