Woman murdered in Tamparuli, suspect with mental health history held

Borneo Post

6 days ago

TUARAN (July 7): A teacher was found dead with multiple injuries to her neck, head and both eyes, believed to be the victim of a fatal assault with a sharp weapon at a house in Kampung Tenghilan, Tamparuli, on Friday.
Tuaran district police chief Supt Noraidin Ag Maidin said the 41-year-old victim was a local, and police have arrested a 47-year-old brother of the victim, on the same day.
'The suspect, also a local, is believed to have mental health issues and had previously received follow-up treatment at a healthcare facility. However, the motive is still under investigation,' he said in a statement yesterday.
Noraidin said a post-mortem was conducted today at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital's Forensic Unit, and the case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
The offence carries the death penalty, or imprisonment of no less than 30 years and not more than 40 years, and whipping if convicted.
Members of the public who have information about the incident are urged to contact the Tuaran Police Hotline at 088-794313 or the nearest police station.
Following the tragic incident, former Senator Datuk Noraini Idris has urged the Sabah state government and health authorities to step up efforts to improve mental health services.
Describing the incident as deeply heartbreaking, Noraini extended her condolences to the victim's family and said the tragedy must serve as a wake-up call for all parties to treat mental health as a serious public safety and community wellbeing issue.
'This heart-wrenching tragedy shows we can no longer be complacent about mental health. It is an issue that cuts across race, religion and social status. I offer my deepest sympathies to the victim's family and pray they find strength to cope with this heavy loss,' she said in a statement today.
Noraini said the incident highlighted the urgent need to boost mental health literacy among the public to prevent untreated psychological problems from ending in unnecessary loss of life.
'The Sabah State Government, especially the State Health Department, must give more serious attention to providing mental health services that are comprehensive, accessible and inclusive. We cannot keep relying on existing facilities without sustainable improvements,' she stressed.
Among the measures she proposed were upgrading Hospital Mesra Bukit Padang by improving its treatment facilities, increasing the number of psychiatric specialists, and expanding patient capacity to meet growing demand.
Noraini also called for the immediate establishment of community mental health support centres in every district to serve as early screening points, family counselling hubs, and referral centres for chronic cases needing specialist care.
'Equally important is to expand mental health education programmes in schools, workplaces and communities so people know how to spot early warning signs and seek professional help without stigma or shame,' she said.
She added that follow-up procedures for patients returning home after treatment must be strengthened with more systematic monitoring, involving close cooperation between hospitals, families and local authorities to manage any risks responsibly.
'This tragedy is a reminder that people with mental illness need proper treatment not just sympathy without action. It is not just the responsibility of hospitals. Everyone in society must play a role in supporting and understanding this reality,' Noraini said.
She pledged to continue supporting any initiative to improve the quality of mental health services in Sabah, saying that the wellbeing of the people, both physically and mentally, must always be a top priority.