Yesterday, Kuala Lumpur Criminal Investigations Department chief Ku Chin Wah also told The Straits Times that, contrary to previous press reports, Ms Mahani Abdullah, 50, had not been stabbed to death.

'The cause of death was due to multiple injuries due to blunt force trauma,' he said.

Her bruise-covered body was found by police on Sunday, in the living room of a unit at the Bangsar Indah condominium - which is located in an upscale neighbourhood popular with Singaporeans and expatriates and about 10 minutes from KL city centre.

Police have arrested a 34-year-old Algerian man who was a tenant in the apartment connected with the murder.

CID chief Ku said it appeared the woman and the man knew each other, but refused to speculate on the nature of their relationship, citing ongoing investigations.

According to Malaysian newspaper reports, blood samples have been taken from the suspect for a DNA match test.

It is also believed he does not have immigration documents.

According to the reports, the condo guards had seen Ms Mahani walking with the Algerian suspect on Saturday. They later spotted the suspect carrying the victim up to the apartment. The guards then tipped off the apartment's owner, who went to the police for help.

The man was arrested in an ambush on Sunday, and police were then led to the apartment where Ms Mahani's body was found.

The woman's family are currently in KL, and are expected to claim her body today.

DIANA OTHMAN