S'pore man, 43, found dead in KL guesthouse, wanted by M'sia police for sexually assaulting girl, 13

A Singaporean man, who was found dead with his wife in a Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia guesthouse on May 16, was allegedly a pimp, who was suspected of raping an underage girl.

The 43-year-old man, Xie Jinde (transliteration), had just been arrested for allegedly having sex with the girl in his Selangor apartment unit on Apr. 30, reported China Press.

This was just two weeks before his death.

Wanted

Cheras District Police Chief Aidil Bolhassan said in an interview that the suspect had been involved in some crimes in Selangor, but died before the cases could be brought to court, China Press reported.

Aidil confirmed with Shin Min Daily News that Xie was wanted by the police for his involvement in several offences, including soliciting prostitution, and possession of obscene materials.

He was also being investigated for an offence under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.

Aidil said the case has not yet been prosecuted as Xie did not answer calls from investigators.

Ruled as suicide

Malaysia authorities later ruled their deaths as suicide on May 18.

KL police said the couple had sealed the doors and windows, and were also believed to have used a grill and charcoal to take their own lives.

He added that their families have been notified and the case is still under investigation.

The statement follows the discovery of their bodies under suspicious circumstances on May 16.

The couple was found dead in a guesthouse located on Jalan Nadchatiram, Cheras, by a staff member who noticed that their shoes were still outside after their supposed checkout time.

After receiving no response to repeated knocks on the door, the staff then entered the room with the manager's permission.

The pair was found on the bed with the air conditioner, fan, and television still running.

Apart from remnants of burnt charcoal, police also found ketamine on a plate.

The bodies were reportedly in a state of decomposition.

The couple, who reportedly registered their marriage a year ago on May 24, 2024, had been staying at the guesthouse for five nights.

Authorities urged individuals facing mental health challenges to seek help.

Get help if needed

If you or someone you know are in mental distress, here are some hotlines you can call to seek help, advice, or just a listening ear:

SOS 24-hour Hotline: 1-767

Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019

Institute of Mental Health: 6389-2222 (24 hours)

Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788 (for primary school-aged children)

SHECARES@SCWO: Call: 8001 01 4616 | WhatsApp: 6571 4400 (for targets of online harms)

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Top photos via China Press