Man who allegedly hacked wife to death held

KINABATANGAN: The man who hacked his wife to death at Ladang Pintasan 5B workers’ quarters on Saturday is being remanded for seven days, starting yesterday, to facilitate investigation.

Kinabatangan district police chief Superintendent A. Sahak Rahmat said the 31-year-old, who was arrested at 10.30am yesterday, was believed to have attacked the victim after being accused of having another wife as he was always out late at night.

He said urine tests on the man turned out negative for drugs.

Sahak said police found a 70cm-long parang believed to have been used by the man.

“Further checks revealed that the murder took place at 8pm on Saturday. The victim was assigned to handle fertiliser (at the plantation) and did not work as a palm oil fruit picker.

“During the incident, the neighbours heard a scream for help.

“A witness also spotted the man, with bloodstains all over, holding a parang.

“The motive was believed to be an argument between the couple as the wife had accused the man of having another wife as he used to go out at night,” he said yesterday.

The victim, Ira Sumang, 27, believed to be from Makassar, Indonesia, was found dead with several slash wounds on the face and head, while three fingers were chopped off.

It is understood that police found six body parts scattered in the living room and kitchen.

The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.