Teacher Istiqomah killed by University acquaintance, suspected link to Forex

ALOR GAJAH: An acquaintance from university is suspected of orchestrating the murder of teacher Istiqomah Ahmad Rozi, whose decapitated body was found in a trash bin by the roadside at Jalan Alor-Gajah-Tampin near Kampung Rimau, Pulau Sebang, on December 31.

According to Berita Harian, the suspect, a former teacher who left the profession to become a foreign exchange (Forex) trader, is believed to have had dealings related to Forex investments with the victim, who was employed at Sekolah Kota Masai 3 near Pasir Gudang, Johor. The victim had been reported missing by her family since December 26, 2023.

The victim’s car was discovered at the Lotus Kota Masai supermarket area in Pasir Gudang at 2 p.m. on December 27 of the previous year.

Suspect remanded on August 6

The ongoing police investigation since the discovery of the decapitated body on December 31 led to the detention of a husband and wife pair in Chemor, Perak, who were remanded on August 6.

Alor Gajah District Police Chief, Superintendent Ashari Abu Samah, confirmed that the identity of the headless body was established as Istiqomah Ahmad Rozi, 33, through investigations and DNA tests conducted by the Data Bank/DNA (D13) Division of the Criminal Investigation Department, Bukit Aman, on the victim’s mother.

The incomplete body, missing both arms and legs, was found by members of the public on December 31, 2023.

Further investigation into the suspect led to the discovery of additional body parts of the victim, including the skull and finger bones, about six kilometers from the initial discovery site, Ashari said.

Suspect and Victim had Forex investment connection

Ashari further explained that the male suspect was an acquaintance of the victim and that they had been in contact regarding Forex investment matters.

“The male suspect’s remand has been extended for another seven days from today until August 18 to complete the investigation, while his wife has been released on police bail as she is not connected to the case.

“Police are investigating under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder,” he said.

He urged anyone with information related to the case to contact BSJ IPD Alor Gajah at 06-5562222 or the investigating officer, Assistant Superintendent Norehan Omar, at 010-4064003.

Previously, both suspects were brought to the Alor Gajah Court Complex at 9:10 a.m. before being presented before Magistrate Teoh Shu Yee.