Taiwanese internet celebrity Hsieh Yu-hsin was found unconscious in a room at a five-star hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Oct. 22 and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
What was initially ruled a case of “sudden death” has now taken a dramatic turn. As more suspicious details emerged, Malaysian police announced on Nov. 4 that the case has been reclassified as a murder investigation under Section 302 of the Penal Code, and confirmed that Malaysian singer-songwriter Namewee (Wee Meng Chee) has been named an important person of interest and detained for questioning.
Namewee, once rumored to have fled, posted a selfie before turning himself in at Jinma Police Headquarters early on Nov. 5.
According to Malaysian media and police sources, Hsieh was found collapsed in the hotel bathtub, wearing only a towel, with some medication and unidentified blue pills nearby.
Preliminary tests suggested she may have suffered an allergic or toxic reaction after consuming a substance containing narcotics, leading to shock and death.
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However, because several pieces of evidence at the scene were inconsistent with a typical sudden-death scenario, police decided to review surveillance footage, phone records, and forensic data, and upgraded the case to a murder investigation in early November.
Police say that toxicology and autopsy reports are still being processed, and will be key in determining whether foul play was involved.
Hsieh Yu-hsin, only 29 years old, graduated with a nursing degree and became popular on social media for her sweet looks and healthy image, amassing over one million followers.
In recent years, she has appeared in online shows and endorsed several brands. She was in Malaysia in late October for a project shoot when the tragedy occurred.
The news of her death has sparked an outpouring of grief from fans in both Taiwan and Malaysia.
Namewee questioned — Denies drug use and involvement
Reports say that Namewee was in the same hotel room as Hsieh at the time of the incident. Police confirmed that he cooperated with the initial investigation and submitted to a medical and urine test.
However, Malaysian media reported that preliminary results showed multiple positive reactions for controlled substances, and that several suspected pills were seized in the room.
In a social media statement, Namewee firmly denied any drug use or involvement, claiming he was being defamed.
After briefly being listed as wanted—with even his agent saying they could not locate him—Namewee appeared at the police station saying he would fully cooperate and “give the public and the victim’s family an explanation.”
He stated: “I will not run, and I am not afraid of the truth.”
His management company also urged the public not to believe unverified rumors, noting that the case is still under active investigation.
Malaysian authorities emphasized that the final cause of death and motive remain undetermined until the full autopsy and lab reports are completed.
“We are not ruling out any possibilities,” police said. “All decisions will be based on the evidence and scientific findings.”
If those involved are ultimately charged and convicted under Section 302 of the Penal Code, they could face the death penalty or life imprisonment.
