THE quick actions of a mother saved her daughter from a murder attempt by her own son-in-law, preventing a bloody tragedy at a house in Taman Tunas Muda, Sungai Ara, early this morning.
According to Barat Daya District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Sazalee Adam, the incident occurred at about 6am when the victim's mother heard her daughter screaming from the upper floor and went up to check.
"Upon arriving in the room, the woman was shocked to see her son-in-law, a teacher, on top of the victim trying to slit his wife's throat with a kitchen knife," he said.
"However, the victim's mother acted quickly and managed to pull her daughter out of the room, saving her from further attack."
After failing to kill his wife, the suspect proceeded to slit his own throat and wrists with the same weapon. The victim reportedly sustained neck injuries but is in stable condition, while the suspect is in critical condition and is being treated in a hospital's red zone, though still conscious.
Initial investigations revealed that the couple, aged 30 and 28, are both teachers and have been married for six years with one child.
"Statements from witnesses indicate that the couple lived in harmony with no financial problems, depression, or domestic conflicts. Their communication the night before was also good, with no unusual signs," he said.
"The couple lived with the wife's family. Police are still investigating the real motive for the incident."
A neighbour, who declined to be named, said they were surprised by the incident.
"I saw a lot of people in front of the house and thought the family was having a party. We only knew there was a crime when we saw a row of police cars in front of the house," she said, adding that she hadn't seen the couple and their child walking recently.
"They always walked in the evening with their child, but lately, they haven't been seen."
She described them as a happy and educated couple, with neighbours admiring them for having pursued studies at a university in Beijing, China.
"The family is very nice and always holds gatherings and invites neighbours, so we thought they were having a party today. It was only when I saw many police cars that I knew something had happened at the house."
The victim, who was slashed by her husband, is in stable condition and is being treated at Penang Hospital, while the suspect is in critical condition at the same hospital. - August 27, 2025
