Murder case of Malaysian student in university housing sparks calls for justice, better safety measures

“SECURITY HERE IS POOR”, SAY FELLOW STUDENTS RESIDING AT THE CONDOMINIUM

Several students have also raised concerns about the poor security at the condominium where the victim resided, noting that they had neither seen any police nor received any official communication from the building management or their university. 

“I only knew about (the incident) because it went viral on X. I didn’t see the police, just a group of security guards. We weren’t told anything by the management. They don’t really care about security,” a 21-year-old local student residing at Mutiara Ville told the New Straits Times on Thursday.

“It’s not safe to walk alone here, especially for a woman. People can just come and go,” another student told NST.

While some blocks are gated, students told NST that the security measures were largely superficial, with features either broken or poorly enforced.

“Security here is poor. They don’t properly check who comes and goes,” a 20-year-old nursing student said. 

Norhizam, the district police chief, earlier said on Thursday that there were “no signs of forced entry into the victim’s residence”.

He added that the police had not found any evidence indicating that the victim was sexually assaulted, contrary to some claims circulating on social media, The Star reported. 

THREE SUSPECTS ARRESTED

Speaking to the media on Friday, Norhizam said that the arrests of the three suspects were made “within 48 hours” after a police report was lodged on the victim’s death. 

They were nabbed in Johor and Negri Sembilan. 

All three suspects were known to the victim, according to local media. 

Police earlier said that a male suspect had used the victim’s debit card to withdraw money in five to six ATM transactions not long after the murder.

A laptop, handphone and cash belonging to Maniishapriet were also said to be missing, according to local media. 

In a statement, University of Cyberjaya has pledged to tighten safety protocols on campus and in its residential facilities.

“The safety of our students, their families and the surrounding community remains our utmost priority, the statement read, as quoted by NST. 

The university also said it is cooperating fully with the authorities to ensure a thorough investigation is carried out.