Post-mortems under way as ministry strengthens family support after Kuantan tragedy

MALAYSIA Post-mortem examinations on the remaining three members of a family of five found dead in Taman Cherating Damai, Kuantan, are underway at Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital today.

The victims are believed to have died in a suspected murder-suicide at their single-storey home at about 7am yesterday.

District police chief Assistant Commissioner Ashari Abu Samah said post-mortems on the 32-year-old suspect and his 28-year-old wife were completed late yesterday.

“The remaining three bodies are those of the suspect’s 55-year-old mother and his two daughters, aged three and four. Post-mortem began at 8.45am.

“The bodies will be released to the family once the procedures have been completed,” he said in a text message today.

All five are expected to be buried at a burial ground in Cherating after Zohor prayers today.

Incident details

According to police, the 32-year-old man, a security guard, allegedly killed his mother, wife and two young daughters before taking his own life.

The family was discovered by the suspect’s 15-year-old sibling, who was awakened by a loud commotion at around 7am.

Upon checking, the teenager found the bodies and alerted neighbours, who then contacted the authorities.

Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said the deceased were identified as a 55-year-old woman, her 32-year-old son, his 28-year-old wife and their two daughters aged three and four.

“Preliminary investigations suggest the man had slashed his mother, wife and daughters before killing himself,” he told reporters at the scene.

Police found the bodies of the suspect, his wife and their children in a bedroom, while the elderly woman’s body was discovered in the kitchen.

A knife believed to have been used in the attack was recovered from the house.

Yahaya said six people were in the house at the time of the incident, including the suspect’s younger sibling who was asleep.

Two other siblings who lived in the same house were at work during the incident, he added.

Possible motives under investigation

Police have not ruled out financial difficulties or mental health issues as possible contributing factors.

Yahaya said the suspect had previously worked in Selangor but quit his job and returned to Kuantan about a month ago after securing employment locally.

“We are investigating various aspects, including whether the suspect had mental health issues or financial problems,” he said.

Investigations are ongoing from multiple angles, including the suspect’s employment history and personal circumstances.

Minister pledges expanded support services

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Nancy Shukri described the incident as heartbreaking and pledged to strengthen the role of local social support centres.

According to Berita Harian, she said at least six cases involving the killing of family members have been reported since January this year.

“The Kuantan case is still under police investigation, but we have been informed that emotional distress due to unemployment may have contributed to the incident,” she said after an event in Kuching.

She said expanding counselling services through Pusat Sokongan Sosial Setempat (PSSS) has become an urgent priority.

Between October 2021 and December 2025, a total of 156,033 cases were handled and resolved through PSSS, with most involving emotional distress, she said.

“We must be more sensitive towards those facing emotional difficulties, whether by offering advice or reporting the matter so professionals, including counsellors, can step in,” she added.

The ministry will also intensify efforts to promote the centres and raise community awareness about mental health support.

Ongoing investigation

Police have classified the case as a murder-suicide and are continuing investigations.

Authorities are expected to complete forensic examinations and gather further evidence, including statements from family members and neighbours.

Further updates are anticipated once investigations are finalised.