Malaysian police have launched a nationwide manhunt for singer Namewee after authorities reclassified Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh’s sudden-death case as murder.
According to China Press, Bukit Aman and the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters’ Serious Crimes Division have joined the Jinjang police in tracking down the 41-year-old artist, whose whereabouts remain unknown.
Still at large as of 4:30pm
Police confirmed that as of 4.30pm today, Namewee had not been arrested.
When asked if an arrest warrant would be issued, he said police would continue searching until Namewee is found.
We will locate him, and he will be arrested,” he said.
Case reclassified as murder
Earlier today, Kuala Lumpur police chief CP Datuk Fadil announced that the investigation into Iris Hsieh’s death in a hotel room has officially been upgraded to murder.
He said Namewee was believed to be the last person in contact with the Taiwanese influencer, leading police to believe he may have information, or involvement, related to her death.
Attempted to leave hotel before being stopped
Iris Hsieh was found unconscious in a five-star hotel room at around 12pm on Oct. 22. Namewee, who was in the same room, reportedly made the emergency call to MERS999 requesting an ambulance.
Police officers stationed at the hotel for ASEAN Summit security duties later stopped him when he allegedly attempted to leave the premises. This intervention subsequently exposed what authorities now believe to be a homicide case.
The investigation continues as police intensify efforts to locate Namewee.
