Decomposed bodies of woman, daughter found in Penang apartment

GEORGE TOWN – A woman and her young daughter were discovered dead in a state of decomposition in their rented apartment along Jalan Bukit Gambir on Monday night.

Neighbours revealed that the woman had been under immense emotional strain following her husband's imprisonment.

A neighbour in her 50s, who requested anonymity, said the victim had appeared increasingly distressed in recent months, particularly after the electricity to her unit was disconnected due to unpaid bills.

"I live in the next block and only found out what happened after returning from visiting relatives yesterday. I rarely saw the mother and daughter.

"From what I know, she was unemployed and her husband had been detained by police and is currently in prison. She must have been under tremendous pressure, especially after the power supply was cut off," the neighbour said.

"Imagine living with a toddler without electricity – it’s heartbreaking. I don’t even know if they had food. I feel very sorry for them.”

Residents began noticing a foul odour wafting through the apartment block as early as 21 June. Those living on the same floor, as well as above and below, assumed it was caused by garbage or a dead animal and lodged a report with the building management.

"The source of the smell was finally revealed yesterday evening when police found the bodies of the woman and her child in the master bedroom.

"She was a very quiet woman, rarely seen outside. When she did come out, she would just smile. The last time anyone saw her was around two months ago. None of us could have imagined something this tragic had happened," the neighbour added.

Police have classified the case as sudden death.

Northeast District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Abdul Rozak Muhammad said the police received a call from the public at about 4.41pm regarding a strong stench coming from the unit.

With assistance from the Fire and Rescue Department, officers forced open the door and found the decomposed remains of a woman and a young girl in the master bedroom.

Firemen had to break down the victim’s door after police received a report of a foul smell coming from the home.

Initial investigations identified the deceased as a 40-year-old woman and her two-year-old daughter. Identification documents recovered at the scene confirmed their relationship.