TAWAU: Police here are investigating two separate incidents — the alleged murder of an Indonesian woman in Kalabakan and a road accident involving a Perodua Myvi that crashed into a business premises and a parked Toyota Innova at Jalan Apas.
In the first case, police received a report at about 4.55 pm on Sept 28 that a woman was believed to have been killed by her husband at a workers’ quarters’ unit at a plantation in Jalan Kalabakan.
The victim, a 37-year-old Indonesian woman who worked at the plantation, was found unconscious at the premises and was confirmed dead at the scene by a medical officer at about 8.16 pm, OCPD ACP Rosdi Mat Jusoh said.
Following the incident, police arrested the victim’s husband, a 38-year-old Indonesian man. The suspect had also sustained injuries to his neck after slashing himself with a sickle and is currently receiving treatment at Tawau Hospital, he added.
“Investigations at the scene found injuries to the victim’s head, neck and hands. Police also recovered and seized several items, including a sickle and a wooden stick, for investigation,” Rosdi said.
Further investigations indicated that the incident is believed to have stemmed from domestic marital problems after the couple returned from a holiday. However, the actual cause is still under investigation.
“The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63,” Rosdi said.
Police are continuing a comprehensive investigation, including forensic examination, DNA analysis, medical reports and a post-mortem examination, to complete the probe. Any initial admission by the suspect remains subject to confirmation through other evidence obtained during the investigation.
Members of the public with information related to the case are urged to assist the investigation by contacting the Investigation Officer ASP Maliki Majuni, at 017-898 9171, or any nearby police station.
In the second incident, police received information about a traffic accident involving a Perodua Myvi that crashed into a business premises before hitting a Toyota Innova parked at Lorong Bintang Shophouse 8 in Mile 3 Jalan Apas about 3.30 pm on Sept 29, Rosdi said.
Preliminary investigations found that the accident occurred when the driver of the Perodua Myvi, a 60-year-old local man, is believed to have accidentally pressed the accelerator pedal while trying to exit a parking space after receiving treatment at a nearby clinic, he said.
“The vehicle then surged forward and crashed into a business premises. In a state of panic, the driver attempted to reverse and struck a nearby parked Toyota Innova,” Rosdi said.
As a result, both vehicles were badly damaged. The driver of the Perodua Myvi was not injured, he added.
An initial urine screening test on the driver was negative for drugs. A breath test was also conducted at the District Traffic Police Investigation and Enforcement Office.
The case is being investigated under Section 43(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, and further investigations are ongoing.
Members of the public who witnessed the incident or have any related information are urged to come forward to assist the investigation by contacting the Traffic Investigation Officer, Sergeant Mohd Hanafiah Mat Sari, at 019-886 7715, or any nearby police station.
Rosdi advised all road users, whether driving automatic or manual transmission vehicles, to always ensure that their vehicles are in good condition, to pay full attention when operating the accelerator and brake, and to ensure the gear is in the correct position before moving off to prevent unwanted incidents. – James Leong
The havoc caused by the Perodua Myvi at Mile 3, Jalan Apas, Tawau on Tuesday.
