A 41-year-old single mother was found dead with slash wounds to her neck in a suspected murder case at a first-floor unit of Flat Sri Murni in Sungai Dua, Penang, on Tuesday.
The victim was discovered lying on a bed in one of the rooms at the apartment, triggering a major police response after neighbours raised the alarm in the early afternoon. Police received a report at about 1.40pm when residents became concerned after the woman failed to respond, despite her front door being open while the metal grille gate remained locked.
Initial information indicated that the victim lived at the flat with her 15-year-old son. The circumstances surrounding the discovery have prompted authorities to treat the case as a homicide, reflecting growing concern over violent crimes occurring within residential areas.
Police have opened an investigation under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, including efforts to establish the motive behind the killing and to identify those involved. The body was later sent to Kepala Batas Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
Penang police chief Datuk Azizee Ismail confirmed the incident when contacted, saying investigations were ongoing and all relevant angles were being examined.
Meanwhile, Hospital Pulau Pinang consultant pathologist Datuk Dr Zahari Noor confirmed that slash wounds were found on the victim’s neck, believed to have been inflicted using a sharp weapon. He said preliminary findings showed no signs of a struggle, suggesting the victim may have been attacked by someone known to her.
“We also believe the victim was assaulted from behind, although a full post-mortem examination will be conducted tonight to determine the exact cause of death,” Dr Zahari said when met at the scene.
The case has once again highlighted the importance of community vigilance, as police continue to rely on public cooperation to assist investigations and piece together the events leading up to the woman’s death.
