SHAH ALAM – The shocking murder of a mother and her 11-year-old daughter in Kampung Juru has gripped the nation, as police continue to investigate the brutal double killing that has left the community in disbelief.
Authorities have since confirmed that a man, who is the husband and father of the victims, has been remanded for seven days to assist in the investigation.
The discovery
The tragedy unfolded on Saturday evening, when the husband returned home from work and discovered the bodies of his 51-year-old wife and daughter inside their two-storey rented house.
Penang Police Chief Datuk Azizee Ismail said police received the report around 7.30pm, shortly after the discovery.
“Police are conducting a detailed investigation, including whether the victims were robbed before being killed,” he reportedly said.
The woman’s body, found in the ground-floor kitchen, had a deep neck wound, while the daughter was found face down and covered in blood upstairs.
The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
The husband’s account and remand
Initially, neighbours said the husband, who worked as a security guard at a factory, appeared distraught when he discovered the bodies and went door-to-door seeking help.
One neighbour, Ida, 51, recalled the man came to her house to tell her that his wife and daughter were killed.
“He gave salam twice before saying, ‘My wife and daughter have been killed.’ His face looked pale and he was trembling before leaving.”
However, on Sunday, police detained the 57-year-old man to assist in investigations.
He was brought to the Bukit Mertajam Magistrate’s Court in handcuffs and an orange lock-up outfit, where Magistrate Roshayati Radellah granted a seven-day remand order, effective Oct 19 to Oct 25.
Police have yet to confirm if the husband is the main suspect, saying only that the remand will allow for further investigation.
So far, no motive has been established.
Family’s grief
At the Seberang Jaya Hospital Forensic Unit, the victim’s brother, Bismi Che Hin, 60, struggled to contain his emotions.
“I can’t accept what happened. The way they were killed was too cruel…worse than animals,” he said.
He identified his sister as Suraya Che Hin, the youngest of six siblings and described her as cheerful and kind.
“She used to be a kindergarten teacher, always caring and easy to get along with. The child who died was her adopted daughter, raised since infancy,” he said.
Bismi said Suraya had remarried about five years ago, but he did not know much about her current husband.
“I never really talked to him. I just want justice for my sister and niece,” he said.
Community in shock
Neighbours described the family as polite, hardworking and largely private.
Some recalled that Suraya, known affectionately as ‘Kak Su’, sold traditional cakes and bread to help support her household.
“We’re still in disbelief. She was kind and hardworking,” said a neighbour.
A 20-second voice recording also circulated online, in which the husband could be heard in tears telling a colleague:
“Assalamualaikum Daus, I won’t be working tomorrow… my wife and daughter have been killed at home.”
The clip drew an outpouring of sympathy online, with netizens expressing shock and offering condolences.
Ongoing investigation
Forensic officers spent hours collecting evidence from the home, while post-mortem examinations were conducted at Hospital Seberang Jaya.
Azizee confirmed that all angles, including robbery, were being investigated.
“We are investigating thoroughly and will update the public when new information is available,” he said.
The victims are expected to be buried at the Kampung Masjid Jeniri Muslim Cemetery once the autopsies are complete.