Police: Woman found dead in Kota Bharu had 61 stab wounds, murder probe ensues

POLICE in Kota Bharu have launched a murder investigation after the body of a young woman was discovered with 61 stab wounds near a roadside in Kampung Kubang Kiat, Ketereh, in the early hours of Friday.

Kelantan police chief Mohd Yusoff Mamat said the victim, believed to be in her 20s, had no identification documents on her, but authorities were able to confirm her identity through fingerprint checks conducted by the National Registration Department.

He said initial findings indicate the woman was likely killed at a different location before her body was dumped at the scene.

“Initial observations at the location found that the victim was wearing a necklace engraved with the name ‘SYAA’, a bracelet on her left wrist, and a ring on the middle finger of her right hand.

“Further inspection also found several other items, including a beaded bracelet, a pair of glasses and a scarf, but no identification documents were found with the victim.

“Preliminary examination by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) Forensics Team found a total of 61 stab wounds on the victim’s body, ranging from the face to the feet, with most injuries concentrated on the right side of the body,” he said in a statement.

Police deployed a K9 unit to search the surrounding area within a radius of about 30 metres for additional evidence.

The victim’s body has been taken to Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II for a post-mortem examination. The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which covers murder.

Authorities have urged members of the public with any information to come forward to assist investigations by contacting the police, including the investigating officer, Assistant Superintendent Ganesan.

The woman was reportedly discovered by villagers at about 12.30am, lying on her side and covered in blood, with severe injuries believed to have been caused by multiple stab wounds. - May 1, 2026