Namewee’s police remand extended to 13 November in probe over Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh’s death

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA:  Malaysian rapper and filmmaker Namewee will remain under police detention for another three days as authorities continue investigating the death of Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh Yu-hsin, whose body was found in a Kuala Lumpur hotel last month.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus confirmed on 10 November that Namewee’s remand had been extended to 13 November, citing ongoing investigations.

The artist, whose real name is Wee Meng Chee, turned himself in to police on 5 November.

Wee’s lawyer, Tay, told reporters outside the Dang Wangi police headquarters that his client “is healthy and in good spirits.” Tay added that police had not yet completed their investigations, according to Oriental Daily News.

Wee’s initial remand order was due to end on 10 November, but Dang Wangi district police chief Sazalee Adam had earlier indicated that authorities would seek an extension.

Police sources cited by local media have said that it could take up to three months before the toxicology and post-mortem reports on Hsieh are finalised. These findings are expected to be crucial to determining the cause of death.

Wee has pledged to cooperate fully with investigators. In a post on his Instagram account on 5 November, he said: “I will fully cooperate with the police investigation to give an explanation to the public and the deceased’s family. I will not run away... I voluntarily reported myself each time and never fled.”

Hsieh, aged 31, was a social media personality from Taichung, Taiwan, known among her followers as the “nurse goddess” due to her looks and nursing background. She was found dead in a hotel bathtub at Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur, on 22 October.

According to reports, she had been working on a video project with Wee at the time.

Wee allegedly discovered her unresponsive in the bathroom and attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before calling emergency services at around 12.30pm.

The case, initially classified as sudden death, was reclassified as murder on 4 November, following new developments in the police investigation.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution defended the pace of the investigation amid public criticism, saying that the reclassification followed established procedures. “The process is based on the evidence and information collected.

The goal is to uncover the truth and ensure justice is upheld,” Saifuddin told local media on 6 November.

Before surrendering himself to police, Wee had been released on bail after being charged on 24 October with drug use and possession.

A murder conviction in Malaysia carries the death penalty or imprisonment of 30 to 40 years, along with at least 12 strokes of the cane.

Wee, 42, is known for his outspoken music that often addresses social and political issues, including government inefficiency and corruption.

Hsieh, who had large followings on Instagram and Facebook where she often posted provocative content, also ran an OnlyFans account starting in 2022, reportedly ranking among the top 0.05% of creators in Taiwan.

She appeared in Namewee’s 2020 music video China Reggaeton alongside Hong Kong actor Anthony Wong and Taiwanese influencer Vivi Hsu.

The investigation continues as the police await further forensic results.