M’sian Teacher’s Decapitated Body Identified, Husband Seeks Justice Amid Remand Extension

The heart-wrenching story of 33-year-old Istiqomah Ahmad Rozi, a teacher at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Kota Masai 3, began on December 26, 2023. After leaving for work, she failed to return home, prompting her family to file a missing person report the following day. Additionally, her car was discovered abandoned in a supermarket parking lot near her home in Kota Masai, Johor with surveillance footage capturing an unidentified man getting out of the vehicle.

On December 31, 2023, the discovery of a decapitated body in a garbage bin along the Alor Gajah-Tampin trunk road, near Kampung Rimau, Pulau Sebang, marked the beginning of a tragic search.

The body, which was initially unidentified and missing key parts like the hands and feet, left her family in a state of deep distress and uncertainty.

DNA Confirmation and Recent Developments

According to Harian Metro, closure came on August 2, 2024, when DNA testing confirmed that the decapitated body found in December belonged to Istiqomah. This revelation, though heartbreaking, brought some relief to her grieving family who had been in anguish for months.

Suspect Remand Extended and New Revelations

A breakthrough in the case occurred on August 5, 2024, with the arrest of a couple in Chemor, Perak. The Alor Gajah Magistrate’s Court initially remanded the male suspect for seven days starting August 6 while his wife was cleared of involvement. The remand was extended for another seven days on August 12, 2024, now lasting until August 19, 2024.

During this period, further investigation led to the discovery of additional remains, including a skull and finger bones, approximately six kilometers from the original crime scene.

Motive and Investigation

New insights suggest that the motive behind the murder might be linked to foreign exchange trading. Alor Gajah district police chief Superintendent Ashari Abu Samah indicated that the prime suspect, an ex-classmate of Istiqomah, was involved in forex trading and had business dealings with her. This information came to light from preliminary investigations following the couple’s arrest.

Clarifying Misinformation

Her husband, Mohd Yusof Mokhtar, clarified that the suspect was a business associate, not a former romantic partner. Initially, there had been confusion about the suspect’s identity, with some rumors suggesting he was Istiqomah’s ex-boyfriend.

Yusof emphasized the need to correct these misconceptions to protect his late wife’s reputation and ensure justice is served.

Timeline of Key Events

December 26, 2023: Istiqomah is reported missing after failing to return home from work.
December 27, 2023: Her family to file a missing person report and her car was found abandoned near her residence.
December 31, 2023: A decapitated body is discovered in a garbage bin along the Alor Gajah-Tampin trunk road. The victim’s identity remains unknown.
January 6, 2024: Authorities report that the victim’s hands and feet are missing from the crime scene.
August 2, 2024: A DNA test of Istiqomah’s mother was taken by the Data Bank.
August 5, 2024: A couple aged 36 and 37 were arrested in Chemor, Perak.
August 6, 2024: The remand for the suspects is extended for seven days. Additional remains are discovered about six kilometers from the original crime scene.
August 12, 2024: Police confirmed that the body found in the garbage bin was of Istiqomah’s. The remand for the male suspect is further extended for another seven days. Police reveal that the motive might be related to foreign exchange trading.

As the investigation progresses, Istiqomah’s family remains hopeful for justice. They are supportive of the authorities’ efforts and seek closure during this difficult time.