POLICE have launched a murder investigation after the body of a woman was found inside a suitcase floating in the Perak River near the Lembah Kuala Kangsar jetty on Friday.
Kuala Kangsar district police chief Assistant Commissioner Heisham Harun said preliminary investigations indicated that the victim was a woman believed to be in her 30s, although her identity has yet to be established.
"Police are currently investigating the case under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder. The cause of the incident is still under investigation," he said in a statement on Thursday.
Police received information about the discovery from a local man at about 3.12pm.
Heisham said the man reported finding the body in the Perak River near the jetty.
"The victim's body has been sent to Taiping Hospital for further action," he said.
He urged members of the public with information that could assist the investigation to come forward.
Information can be channelled to the Kuala Kangsar District Police Headquarters at 05-776 2222 or any nearby police station.
"The public are also advised not to make any speculation or provoke matters related to this incident," he said.
Earlier, media reports said a body believed to have been dead for several days was found floating inside a suitcase wrapped in plastic.
The body was discovered by a boat operator after the river's water level fell, making the suitcase visible.
Police have yet to establish the circumstances surrounding the woman's death or formally identify her. - August 15, 2026