Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim has urged the government to examine the social and economic pressures that may contribute to family murder-suicides.
This follows the deaths of four family members in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, suspected to be a case of murder-suicide.
He said the government should pay closer attention to the welfare of vulnerable people instead of focusing only on combating corruption.
“I wish the Social Welfare Department would do everything possible to determine what promoted such gruesome incidents. It’s so tragic and frequent,” Zaid (above) said on Facebook.
Police discovered the bodies of a couple and their children, a nine-year-old girl and seven-year-old boy, at an apartment complex in Desa Parkcity, yesterday.
They believe the father fell from the family’s apartment unit, while the other victims found inside the home had injuries to their necks.
A knife was also found at the scene and is believed to have been the murder weapon.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus said police were working to establish the motive and the case was being investigated under Section 302 for murder and a sudden death report.
Is it financial hardship?
Zaid questioned whether financial hardship or debts to loan sharks could have contributed to such incidents.
“Was it poverty and life was unbearable, or were they victims of Ah Long or what?” he said.
He also urged the government to monitor the welfare of vulnerable sections of society.
“The government must monitor the pulse of the people, especially the segment most vulnerable, all the time,” he said.
Zaid said the government could continue its efforts against corruption while also addressing hardships faced by the public.
“Go ahead with your sakau (stealing) lawfare campaign and eliminate those who are corrupt, but there are hardships caused by those who are in power who didn’t care enough about the people’s welfare,” he said.
Other cases
Zaid said the Kepong incident reminded him of a similar case in Kuantan.
In February, a 32-year-old security guard reportedly murdered his wife, their two daughters aged three and four, and his 55-year-old mother in Kuantan.
According to New Straits Times, the man slashed the victims before killing himself.
Police at the time said they suspected he was suffering from either mental health problems or financial difficulties.
Last November, a 30-year-old woman and her four-year-old daughter were found dead at their home in Kulim, Kedah.
It was reported that police said initial investigations indicated that the woman had attempted to kill both her children before taking her own life, however, her seven-year-old son survived.
Police found a note in which she apologised and said she could no longer bear the emotional pain.
Suicide is a complex phenomenon with multiple contributing factors, but it is preventable, and recovery is possible. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone - please reach out for support:
Talian Kasih Hotline: 15999 (Call) / +6019 26 15999 (WhatsApp)
Health Ministry’s Talian Heal: 15555 (8am - 12am daily)
The Befrienders Hotline: 03-76272929
Agape Counselling Centre Malaysia Hotline: 03-77855955 or 03-77810800 - Mkini
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