Man suspected of wife's murder wails, recites prayers in lockup

New Straits Times

3 days ago

TANGKAK: A man suspected of brutally slashing his wife to death was seen crying uncontrollably and chanting religious verses while being held in the magistrate's court lockup this morning.
The 33-year-old suspect, who is under investigation for murder, began shouting "Allahu Akbar" and repeatedly reciting the zikir as he awaited his remand proceedings at 8.30am.
Court staff said he had appeared calm at first, but soon broke into loud wailing, reciting the takbir for nearly a minute inside the holding area.
The suspect is accused of using a vegetable knife to slash his wife at their home in Taman Cahaya, Bukit Gambar, late Monday afternoon.
He allegedly wrapped the woman's body in a blanket and left the crime scene.
The next morning, he reportedly went to his mother-in-law's house and attempted to set fire to a vehicle and parts of the home.
A source said the suspect later contacted his brother-in-law to ask for a ride to the nearest police station, where he allegedly confessed to the killing and led officers back to the house to show them the body.
"The couple had been married for three years but had no children.
"Their neighbours were not aware of the incident until police arrived," the source said.
Investigations revealed that a heated argument had preceded the incident. The man had reportedly exhibited increasingly erratic behaviour in recent months, frequently quarrelling with the victim despite their previously cordial relationship.
"The wife worked as a clerk at a factory, while the suspect was unemployed," the source added.
The magistrate's court granted a seven-day remand order beginning today.
The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, as well as Section 435 for mischief by fire with intent to cause damage.