A 39-year-old woman died after allegedly being stabbed 13 times by her husband following an argument at their home in Taman Tiram, Kulim, on Monday night (Sept 14).
The victim, identified as S. Sila, was reportedly attacked in the master bedroom of the single-storey terrace house where she lived with her 43-year-old husband and their three-year-old son. Preliminary police investigations found that the argument was believed to have been triggered by jealousy and marital issues.
According to Kulim district police chief Supt Syamsul Sinring, the husband later admitted to stabbing Sila 13 times with a 20-centimetre folding knife. Police said seven wounds were inflicted on her chest, five on her abdomen and one on her right ribcage.
What Happened After The Attack
After the incident, the suspect reportedly took a bath before collecting their three-year-old son from a babysitter.
He then handed the child over to his sister at the Juru Rest and Service Area (R&R) in Penang and told her that he had stabbed his wife. He subsequently went to the Lunas Police Station at about 8.40pm and surrendered himself to police.
The suspect also handed over the folding knife believed to have been used in the attack. He was arrested at about 9pm by officers from the Kulim District Criminal Investigation Division.
Family Rushed to the House
Meanwhile, Sila’s family members were alerted to the incident and rushed to the couple’s home.
Sila’s aunt, D. Kodimalar, 42, said the family arrived at around 8.30pm and had to break down the door before finding Sila unconscious and covered in blood on the bed.
The family immediately took her to Kulim Hospital. Although she still had a pulse when she was brought in, hospital staff attempted to resuscitate her and administer blood before she was pronounced dead at about 9.30pm due to the severity of her injuries.
Family Unaware of Marital Problems
What has since emerged is that Sila had never told her family about problems in her marriage.
Kodimalar said Sila was very close to the family and had never complained about disagreements with her husband during their five-year marriage.
She said the couple appeared happy to relatives, leaving the family unaware that they were facing problems.
Kodimalar said she last met Sila in August and described her as a brave person who was loved by the family. She added that Sila, the eldest of three siblings, had been cared for by the family since childhood.
Another family member, who declined to be identified, said relatives were shocked by the incident, describing the suspect as a friendly person who appeared to love his wife and child. The family has since said they would care for Sila’s three-year-old son following her death.
Investigation Continues
Police said 11 samples believed to be related to the incident were collected from the scene, including traces believed to be blood found on the bedsheet, pillow, headboard and items on the bed.
The suspect’s urine test was reported to be negative for drugs, while police said he had no previous criminal record. The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code.
Sila’s body was sent to the Forensic Department of Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Setar for a post-mortem examination. Her family said her remains would later be taken to Kampung Manis, Perai, Penang, where she was raised.
The suspect has since been remanded for seven days until Sept 21 to assist police investigations.
