Kuala kangsar: Police believe the woman whose body was found inside a bag in the Perak River near Lembah Jetty, Kuala Kangsar, on Aug 14, had her face covered and was bound before being thrown into the river.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Perak Police Chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin stated that the victim, believed to be in her 30s, was suspected to have drowned, but her identity remains unknown. Checks with the National Registration Department (JPN) and other relevant agencies have found no records that could help identify her, and no matching missing-person reports have been lodged.

Several specimens from the victim have been sent for forensic analysis, and the results are awaited, though the process may take time due to the large number of specimens submitted. Mohd Alwi mentioned that the police would collaborate with relevant agencies, including the Malaysian Immigration Department and Interpol, to gather more information to ascertain the victim's identity.

It was previously reported that low water levels in the Perak River led to the discovery of the body, which was found inside a suitcase stranded in the middle of the river due to the shallow current. On Aug 19, police appealed to the public for assistance in identifying the woman.

In another development, Mohd Alwi addressed allegations of gambling activities at several premises around Taiping that have been circulating on social media. He assured that stern action would be taken if inspections verified these activities, even at premises licensed for other businesses but allegedly being used for gambling. The police received the information through social media and will conduct investigations. If the activities are confirmed, necessary actions will be implemented.

Earlier, Bukit Gantang UMNO Division chief Mohammad Sollehin Mohamad had raised allegations of online gambling activities believed to be operating at several locations around Taiping in a Facebook post.