Stench leads to dead family


Tragic remembrance: The victims’ friend, Hashim Abdul Aziz, 66, showing a photo of Zikri and Suraya. — Bernama

Initial probe indicates homicide, son believed to be suspect

SUNGAI PETANI: A foul smell emanating from a house in Kampung Belau, Merbok near here led to the discovery of the bodies of three family members.

Kuala Muda OCPD Asst Comm Hanyan Ramlan said the victims were identified as Zikri Abdul Rahman, 65, his wife Suraya Man, 53, and her son, Muhammad Shakir Zufayri Abdul Aziz, 29.

Police received a report from members of the public who had not seen the couple for three days and noticed a strong odour ­coming from the house.

“Upon inspection, the house was dark, the smell was strong and the door was locked from the inside. Officers had to force entry,” ACP Hanyan told a press conference at the Merbok police station yesterday, Bernama reported.

Police found the bodies of the husband and wife in the kitchen area, while the son’s body was upstairs.

Initial investigations indicate the case is a homicide, with the 29-year-old deceased believed to be the suspect.

“The couple are believed to have died more than 48 hours before discovery, while the 29-year-old victim is believed to have died more recently,” said ACP Hanyan.

Police also recovered several sharp weapons from the house.

Investigations suggest the incident may have occurred between Monday and the time the bodies were discovered on Wednesday night.

According to ACP Hanyan, the 29-year-old man had a history of mental health issues between 2018 and 2019, but was not known to have caused disturbances in the neighbourhood.

He added that another child of the female victim, who serves in the military, had returned to Johor earlier this week after celebrating Hari Raya in Kedah.

So far, five witnesses have been called to assist in the probe.

All bodies have been sent to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital for post-mortem.

The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code.

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