PADAWAN: A 42-year-old man was arrested for allegedly causing the death of his wife after the couple was involved in a heated argument in their Batu Gong People's Housing Project (PPR) rented house in Siburan here.
Padawan district police chief Superintendent Abang Zainal Abidin Abang Ahmad said they received a report regarding the death of a 43-year-old woman at 10.10pm yesterday (Jan 23), believed to be caused by injuries.
"A suspect has been caught and remanded at the Kuching court here earlier today (Jan 24) to facilitate investigation," he said in a statement.
The victim, who is a kuih seller, married the suspect about three years ago.
Abang Zainal Abidin said on Jan 8, the victim chased her husband out of the house.
He said the suspect then returned on the pretext that he wanted to take his clothes that were still in the rented house.
He said the suspect said he wanted to discuss something with the victim before pushing her in the living room and slapping her a couple of times.
"The victim fought back and this led to the suspect strangling her, while telling her to keep quiet.
"The suspect took his clothes and the victim used this opportunity to contact the neighbour which led to the suspect fleeing."
He said after that, the victim returned to her family home in Kampung Panchor, he said.
At around 8pm, the victim complained of pain around her ear before suddenly experiencing trouble with her hand. She ended up lying down and hugging her sister.
Abang Zainal Abidin said the victim was confirmed to have died at 9.48pm by a medical officer.
Police said initial investigation revealed the victim chased the suspect away and demanded for a divorce from the suspect because the man refused to work since a year ago.
He said the suspect had constantly asked for money from the victim.