Taiwanese influencer's death linked to Namewee now murder probe

The probe into the death of a Taiwanese influencer linked to controversial rapper Namewee, whose real name is Wee Meng Chee, has been reclassified as a murder investigation.

In a statement today, Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus announced the reclassification from a sudden death probe, adding that investigations are ongoing under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.

While the statement did not name the victim involved in the case, the matter is understood to be linked to Hsieh Yu-hsin.

Hsieh was found dead at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur last month.

According to media reports, Wee had met up with Hsieh at the hotel to discuss a collaboration.

A police statement placed the day of the meeting on Oct 22.

Wee person of interest

Speaking to reporters today, Fadil confirmed that Wee has been named as a person of interest in the murder investigation, with police in the process of tracing his movements to determine his involvement.

“For now, we regard this person who was last with the victim as being involved in the case. We will be calling him in to assist in the investigation.

"Depending on the findings, we will decide whether he should be treated as a suspect," New Straits Times quoted Fadil as saying.

He added that the police’s probe covers every aspect of the victim's final activities in the country, ranging from her arrival and accommodation records to security footage and transport movements.

Police have taken statements from hotel staff, security guards and transport operators, including airport personnel.

Fadil noted that the victim, who arrived on Oct 20, was scheduled to stay for four days.

The full post-mortem and toxicology reports are still pending, with details on the cause of death remaining confidential at this stage of the investigation, he added.

“The investigation is complex, but we are determined to uncover the truth. We urge anyone with information related to the case to come forward and assist police,” he appealed.

Drug charges

On Oct 24, Wee was charged with two drug-related offences.

The first charge, for possession of drugs under Section 39A(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, carries a jail term of two to five years and caning of three to nine strokes.

The second charge, for drug consumption under Section 15(1)(a) of the same Act, is punishable with a maximum sentence of two years' imprisonment or a fine of up to RM5,000.

Hsieh’s manager has since reportedly challenged Wee to clarify matters surrounding the influencer’s death.

Initially, Taiwanese media quoted her manager as saying she had died of a heart attack.

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