Warning: This article contains content about suicide.
On 18 May 2025, Malaysian authorities ruled the deaths of a Singaporean couple as suicides. They were found dead in a Kuala Lumpur guesthouse on 16 May 2025.
The deceased, identified as Xie Jin De (name transliterated from Mandarin), 43, and Zhuang Shu Yi (name transliterated from Mandarin), 33, were married to each other, according to Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa.
Their bodies were discovered in a room at a guesthouse on Jalan Nadchatiram in Taman Taynton View, Cheras, after staff noticed their shoes were still outside past checkout time.
After receiving no answer to knocks, a staff member entered the room with the manager’s permission around 12:53 PM and found the bodies on the bed.
The television, air conditioner, and fan were still running when the bodies were found.
KL Police Investigation Reveals Details of Suicide Method and Criminal Background
Police found that the couple had sealed all ventilation openings on doors and windows with tape and garbage bags.
“They used a grill, sealed the room, and we have also informed the family about the matter,” said the KL police chief.
Remnants of burnt charcoal were found in the room, along with ketamine on a plate.
The bodies were decomposing and emitting a foul smell when discovered.
The couple had been staying at the guesthouse for five nights before their deaths.
In a separate report, Serdang Police Chief revealed that Xie was wanted by PDRM for allegedly sexually assaulting an underage girl.
He was supposed to appear in court on 14 May 2025 to face charges under Section 14(a) of the Child Sexual Offences Act 2017, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and caning if convicted.
Police had tried to contact Xie before his death, but were unsuccessful.
Previous Legal Issues and Ongoing Police Investigation
Xie had previously been charged with overstaying in Malaysia, while authorities confirmed that Zhuang had no criminal record.
Cheras Police Chief, Adil Bolhassan, said they had not ruled out that Xie’s refusal to face jail time for his crimes in Malaysia may have been a motive for the suicide, though the investigation is ongoing.
The couple did not leave a will, according to police reports.
Aidil noted that the current focus is on determining the exact cause of death, while other crimes involving Xie prior to his death will be investigated with the Selangor police.
Malaysian authorities urge individuals facing mental health challenges to seek help.
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