POLICE in Kedah have confirmed that the suspect accused of beheading his brother-in-law at a paddy field in Kampung Pida 3, Jerlun, has a history of mental illness and had previously received psychiatric care.
Kedah Police Chief Datuk Adzli Abu Shah said on Monday that initial investigations indicated that the man, in his 30s, had sought treatment since 2021 but had stopped attending hospital appointments roughly five months before the incident.
"The suspect had a treatment card and was treated for depression during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, he stopped or refused to continue treatment in recent months," he said during a press conference at the Kedah Contingent Police Headquarters on Monday.
"Based on our assessment, this case likely involves hallucinations. The suspect is believed to have harboured negative perceptions towards the victim, and in such cases, it is not impossible for the individual to believe others intend to harm him, even when it is not true," Datuk Adzli added.
The suspect remains under the care of his family while further investigations continue to complete the investigation papers prior to prosecution.
"We will wait until the remand period expires. God willing, if there are no issues, the suspect will be charged in the near future," he said.
The incident occurred on Friday evening when the victim was reportedly attacked with a machete following an altercation in the Kampung Pida 3 paddy fields. The suspect has been remanded for six days starting 1 November under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder. - November 3, 2025
