Rapper Namewee Wanted in Malaysia Over Murder of Taiwanese Influencer, Police Say He’s in Hiding
Malaysian authorities have launched a manhunt for controversial rapper Namewee, whose real name is Wee Meng Chee, after a Taiwanese influencer was found dead in a luxury hotel in Kuala Lumpur. The 42-year-old artist has reportedly gone missing since police reclassified the case as murder, raising questions over his whereabouts and involvement.
Case Reclassified as Murder After New Evidence Emerged
Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus confirmed that the case, initially listed as a sudden death, was upgraded to murder following new findings from ongoing investigations. “We believe Namewee is aware of the investigation, which has been widely covered through both traditional and social media,” Fadil said. “However, our team has not been able to locate him, and we suspect he may be in hiding.”
While police declined to reveal the cause of death, citing the confidentiality of the investigation, they confirmed that the toxicology report from the autopsy has not yet been finalised. Under Malaysian law, anyone suspected of involvement in a murder must be detained for questioning.
Influencer’s Body Found in Luxury Hotel
The victim, 31-year-old Taiwanese influencer Hsieh Yu-hsin—better known online as Iris Hsieh—was discovered lifeless in a hotel room along Jalan Conlay on 22 October at around 1.40pm. Investigations revealed that she had spent the night with Namewee prior to her death. However, police have stated that no sexual assault was suspected at this stage of the inquiry.
Authorities have since intensified efforts to track down the rapper, who is known for his outspoken views and previous brushes with controversy. His social media accounts have not been updated in recent days, further fuelling speculation that he may have fled or is deliberately evading capture.
Public Shock and Media Frenzy Over Case
The case has drawn widespread attention across Malaysia, Taiwan, and Singapore, given Namewee’s fame and history of provocative commentary. Online discussions have ranged from disbelief to heated debate over whether the entertainer could truly be involved in a serious crime.
For now, police remain tight-lipped while awaiting forensic and toxicology results that could determine the next course of action. The manhunt continues, with authorities urging anyone with information on Namewee’s whereabouts to come forward immediately.