KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 — Police are investigating a suspected murder-suicide involving two Bangladesh men at a single-storey terrace house in Taman Cempaka 2, Durian Tunggal in Alor Gajah, Melaka last night.

Police found a 42-year-old man dead in the kitchen and a 31-year-old man deceased in a locked room. 

Contrary to earlier reports, the two men were housemates, not brothers. 

They worked as labourers at a local construction site and rented the property with another compatriot.

According to Berita Harian, Melaka Police Chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said police were alerted around 7pm by a concerned neighbour after the third housemate returned home to find the house locked and unresponsive.

“Upon checking, one of the men was found lying in the kitchen, and the other was found deceased in a locked room,” Dzulkhairi said, as cited by the national daily.

Investigations suggest the 31-year-old killed his 42-year-old housemate before taking his own life. 

Police believe jealousy may have been the motive, linked to a marital dispute: the man who died had been married to an Indonesian woman who fled the house with a child about two weeks earlier. 

Police have identified the woman to assist with the investigation and have seized a machete and two knives believed to have been used in the attack. 

Neighbours confirmed hearing a quarrel between the two men prior to the incident.

The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder. 

Members of the public with information are urged to contact Assistant Superintendent Norehan Omar or the Criminal Investigation Division of the Alor Gajah District Police at 06‑5562222.