Malaysia police to make arrest soon in Taiwanese influencer murder probe

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian rapper Namewee is expected to be arrested soon to assist investigations into the

murder of Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh at a hotel in Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur

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KL police chief Fadil Marsus said the movements of the victim and the individual last seen with her before her death on Oct 22 were being reviewed.

“We will re-examine all the victim’s movements and those of the so-called suspect we have identified. We expect to make an arrest soon,” he said on Nov 4.

“Updates on the progress will be provided from time to time,” he added.

Datuk Fadil said the victim arrived in Malaysia on Oct 20 and was scheduled to stay until Oct 24.

He added that the post-mortem and toxicology reports are pending, and the cause of death remains under investigation.

“It is too early to reveal the cause of death. The post-mortem and toxicology reports will give us clearer findings later,” he said.

He urged those with information to come forward and assist the investigation.

“We really need help from the public,” he said. “Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the police.”

Asked about the suspect believed to have been last seen with the victim, he said the individual would be called in to assist.

“The individual last seen with the victim is considered involved for now, at least to assist in investigations,” he said.

Datuk Fadil said the police have recorded statements from several individuals linked to the case. They include hotel staff, security personnel and others connected to the victim’s movements from the airport to the hotel.

“It is a comprehensive investigation involving staff, hotel, security and travel details,” he said.

“Everything is being examined thoroughly,” he added.

Previously, Datuk Fadil said the case was reclassified from sudden death to murder. He said the decision followed initial investigations.

On Nov 2, Namewee – whose real name is Wee Meng Chee – denied using drugs and involvement in the death of the influencer, saying the truth will emerge when police reports are released in the coming months.

The 42-year-old posted a statement on Instagram after what he described as “unsubstantiated news reports” linked him to the death of Hsieh. She was found dead in a hotel bathtub.

“I haven’t used drugs, nor have I been carrying any. At most, I’ve been drinking more lately.

“Believe it or not, the truth will come out when the police report is released, which should take another two or three months,” he wrote in Chinese. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK