GEORGE TOWN: The man detained by police after he was rescued while attempting to jump off the Penang Bridge shortly after hacking a woman yesterday, is believed to have acted that way due to jealousy.
Deputy state police chief Datuk Mohamed Usuf Jan Mohamad said the 29-year-old, who is being treated at the Penang Hospital, has been remanded for seven days to assist in investigation.
"Based on initial investigation, we believe the motive to be jealousy.
"We are investigating the matter further," he told newsmen at the state police contingent headquarters here today.
He was met after a press conference announcing a road closure for the Penang 2nd Bridge Fund Ride Solidarity PDRM 2023 this Friday.
Meanwhile, Seberang Prai Utara district police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Asri Shafie said the man, who works as a factory operator, has been remanded until Dec 26 to assist in investigations under Section 302 of the Penal Code.
He said, based on the investigation, the victim, who is a clothes seller, is the aunt to the suspect.
"We will record the suspect's statement and that of several other witnesses to wrap up investigation into the case.
"We expect to refer the investigation paper to the Deputy Public Prosecutor soon," he told the New Straits Times.
It is learnt that the suspect had acted that way as he was angry with his aunty, who had prevented his relationship with her daughter.
It was reported that a man was detained by police after he was rescued by the public while attempting to jump off the Penang Bridge shortly after hacking a woman yesterday morning.
The victim died shortly after, while receiving treatment at the Seberang Jaya Hospital.
Following the attack, the suspect attempted to leap off the Penang Bridge, but alert members of the public intervened and rescued him.
Police subsequently detained him.
In a separate development, Mohamed Usuf said police had identified several other suspects believed to be involved in the murder of a senior citizen who was stabbed 27 times at Jalan Perak here on Dec 5.
He said police were expected to wrap up the probe soon based on several leads to the case.
"I cannot reveal anything further for fear that it will interfere in our probe," he added.
He said the three individuals, including a woman, who were nabbed earlier had been released on bail after having their statements taken to assist in investigation.