SHAH ALAM – The internet is buzzing after Malaysian rapper Namewee was linked to the shocking death of a Taiwanese influencer, Hsieh Yun Hsin, in a Kuala Lumpur hotel. What started as a mysterious, sudden death case has now officially turned into a murder investigation, and everyone wants to know what really happened.
Here’s a full breakdown of what we know so far:
According to Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Datuk Fadil Marsus, the 31-year-old woman was found lying unconscious in the bathtub of a hotel room on Jalan Conlay at around 1.40pm on Oct 22.
She had checked into Malaysia just two days earlier, on Oct 20, through KLIA Terminal 1 and was scheduled to return to Taiwan on Oct 24.
Initially, the case was treated as a sudden death report (SDR), with early reports suggesting she had died of a heart attack, but Fadil confirmed that it has now been reclassified under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder following suspicious findings.
“Further investigation under Section 302 is ongoing. We are reviewing all angles, including the individual last seen with the victim,” he said in a statement.
Police have since recorded statements from hotel staff and security personnel and are going through closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage to trace Hsieh’s movements from the airport to the hotel.
They are also awaiting post-mortem and toxicology results to determine the exact cause of death.
“It is too early to reveal the cause of death. The reports will provide clearer findings later,” Fadil added, urging anyone with information to come forward.
Namewee was last seen with victim
Investigations revealed that Namewee, whose real name is Wee Meng Chee, was the last person seen with Hsieh before her death.
He was later detained for alleged drug possession and use, but pleaded not guilty at the Jalan Duta Court on Oct 24 and was subsequently released.
Police confirmed they are still investigating his movements and any possible connection to the incident.
Following widespread public speculation, Namewee broke his silence on social media, denying any involvement in Hsieh’s death or in drug use.
In a Facebook post, the rapper said he voluntarily went to the Dang Wangi District Police Headquarters to facilitate the investigation.
“I will not run away. Previously, in the seven times I was called by the authorities, I voluntarily came forward to give my statement. I have never run away," he wrote.
Dang Wangi Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Sazalee Adam later confirmed that Namewee was remanded at the district police headquarters to facilitate the investigation.
Investigation still ongoing
Police have not ruled out any possibilities, saying that the post-mortem and toxicology reports will be key in determining whether foul play was involved.
If proven to be murder, the case falls under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty upon conviction.
For now, the investigation continues, with authorities reviewing CCTV footage, digital records and all evidence leading up to Hsieh’s final hours.
Police are appealing for information from the public to help piece together the events surrounding Hsieh’s death.
“We really need help from the public. Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the police,” said Fadil.