M'sia woman, 72, and son, 39, found dead in home, son had died days after mum

A woman, 72 and her son, 39, were found dead in their locked apartment in Penang, Malaysia, on Mar. 3 night, after neighbours complained of a foul smell.

Foul smell

According to the Penang fire and rescue department, the local police were alerted at about 8:17pm after neighbours complained of a smell emanating from the unit, The Star wrote.

Officers entered the locked unit using special equipment and found the two deceased inside.

One was found in the living room, while the other was found in the bedroom, Free Malaysia Today reported.

The victims were identified as 72-year-old Lee Tet Khim and 39-year-old Lam Tong Hoong.

They are believed to be a mother and son, New Straits Times wrote.

According to China Press, when discovered, the mother had already passed for 10 days, while the son had passed for two.

Son was sole breadwinner

The son was the sole breadwinner and delivered liquefied petroleum gas for a living, China Press wrote.

However, his income was not stable, would occasionally borrow money from those around him to get by and relied on instant noodles for meals.

The son also reportedly suffered from mild intellectual disability.

In a Feb. 21 message sent to a hawker, the son mentioned that he had fed his mother cereal and that he was also feeling unwell.

Neighbours shared that the pair doesn't often get visitors and usually keep to themselves.

While the elderly woman had a daughter as well, she had lost contact with her.

Police are investigating the case.

Top image via New Straits Times, China Press