Explainer: What we know about the killing of a bank executive in Alor Setar

SHAH ALAM - The killing of a 52-year-old bank executive in Alor Setar on Monday has shocked the community, with police confirming the case is being investigated as murder.

Below is a summary of what has been established so far, based on police statements and accounts from the victim’s family.

The victim, Zaharullail Basir, was found dead inside her home at Taman Sultan Abdul Halim, Jalan Tanjung Bendahara, Alor Setar.

Kota Setar district police chief Assistant Commissioner Syed Basri Syed Ali said police received a call at 8.45am from one of the victim’s sons.

“The District Control Centre received a call from the victim’s son informing us of a murder involving his mother, who was believed to have been stabbed and assaulted at the house,” he said.

Police believe the incident occurred in the early hours, before the victim was discovered unconscious and covered in blood.

The victim was found lying in her bedroom and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Injuries and missing items

Initial examinations found the victim suffered three stab wounds, including injuries to the upper left chest, an injury on the wrist, as well as wounds on the head and face and minor cuts and a stab wound on the left palm.

“Examination found three stab wounds, injuries to the wrist, wounds to the head and face, as well as bruising on the shoulder and forehead,” he said.

Police also confirmed that a handbag containing jewellery, cash and a mobile phone was missing from the house.

“At this stage, the motive for the killing is still under investigation,” he added.

The killing of a 52-year-old bank executive in Alor Setar on Monday has shocked the community, with police confirming the case is being investigated as murder. Photo for illustrative purposes only.

Events before the killing

Syed Basri said the victim was at home with three of her children, aged between 10 and 18, at the time.

He said police believe the victim’s eldest son, aged 29, who lives separately, had arrived at the house in the early hours of the morning.

“Between 5am and 8am, it is believed that another child, aged 29, came to the house and knocked on the door. One of the siblings opened the door before returning to sleep,” Syed Basri said.

The incident was only discovered later that morning.

“When they woke up, they found their mother lying motionless. At that time, their eldest brother was no longer at the house,” he said.

The police are actively identifying the suspect and urged the victim’s eldest son, Amirul Shafiq Shamsul Zahari to come forward to assist with investigations.

The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty or imprisonment of between 30 and 40 years, and whipping, if convicted.

Forensic teams and the K9 unit were deployed to assist in the investigation.

Family background

Family members revealed that the victim had been preparing to remarry next week, after several years as a single mother.

Her stepmother, Norsiah Yahya, said the victim appeared happy while making wedding preparations.

“She had already made preparations to get married on Feb 13 and the wedding reception was to be held the next day, together with her younger sister’s engagement,” she said.

Norsiah described the victim as a devoted daughter and mother.

“I was shocked when I was informed she had passed away around 9am. I am very sad because she was a good child,” she said.

She added that although she was the victim’s stepmother, their relationship was close.

“Even though I’m only her stepmother, I loved her like my own child,” she said.

Police have urged the public not to speculate or spread unverified information while investigations are ongoing.

“We advise the public not to make assumptions or circulate unverified information,” Syed Basri said.

Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact Kota Setar district police headquarters or call the police hotline at 04-774 7222.