Malaysian rapper and filmmaker Namewee has been detained by police in Kuala Lumpur as investigations into the death of Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh Yu-hsin escalate.
Authorities confirmed on 5 November that the artist, whose real name is Wee Meng Chee, was taken into custody to assist in the murder investigation, which has drawn significant attention in both Malaysia and Taiwan.
From questioning to detention
Earlier that morning, Namewee arrived at the Dang Wangi police station in Kuala Lumpur, where he had been summoned for questioning. Prior to his appearance, he posted a message on Instagram saying he would “fully assist the police” and “not run.”
Police later confirmed that he was formally detained under Section 302 of Malaysia’s Penal Code, the same statute under which the case has been reclassified as murder. He is expected to be remanded for further questioning while investigators continue gathering evidence surrounding the death of 31-year-old Iris Hsieh, who was found unresponsive in a hotel bathtub on 22 October.
“We are detaining him to assist in the investigation into the case which has now been classified as murder,” a police spokesperson said.
Background: Iris Hsieh’s death
Hsieh, a Taiwanese influencer and former nurse from Taichung, arrived in Kuala Lumpur on 20 October to work on a video project with Namewee. Two days later, she was discovered unresponsive in a bathtub in a city hotel.
According to reports, Namewee was the last person seen with her. He allegedly found her unconscious, attempted CPR, and called emergency services at around 12:30 pm.
Police later discovered nine blue pills suspected to be ecstasy in the room. Namewee tested positive for multiple drugs, including amphetamine, methamphetamine, ketamine, and THC, and was briefly arrested for drug possession and use.
Investigation reclassified as murder
Initially classified as a sudden death, Kuala Lumpur police reclassified the case as murder on 4 November after reviewing preliminary findings.
Authorities said the individual last seen with the victim would be called in for further questioning and may be treated as a suspect depending on the outcome of the investigation. While police did not name the individual, multiple outlets identified him as Namewee.
Investigators are currently reviewing CCTV footage, hotel staff statements, and travel records, while awaiting post-mortem and toxicology reports to determine the official cause of death.
Under Section 302, a murder conviction in Malaysia carries either the death penalty or imprisonment for 30 to 40 years plus caning.
Dispute over ambulance response
Public discussion has also focused on Malaysia’s emergency response system after Namewee claimed on social media that an ambulance took nearly an hour to arrive. The Health Ministry later clarified that the ambulance arrived within 26 minutes, disputing his account.
Ongoing investigation
Police have not yet filed any formal charges against Namewee. The results of Iris Hsieh’s autopsy and toxicology tests are still pending, and investigators have not ruled out any possible causes, including foul play, negligence, or drug-related circumstances.
The case continues to attract international attention due to the public profiles of both individuals — Hsieh’s significant online following and Namewee’s reputation for politically charged work in Malaysia.
Like what you read? Show our writer some love!
-