KUALA LUMPUR – Police have intensified efforts to locate rapper Wee Meng Chee, better known as Namewee, in connection with the death of Taiwanese social media influencer Hsien Yun Hsin, also known as Iris Hsieh.
Kuala Lumpur police chief, Comm Datuk Fadil Marsus, told Scoop that authorities are continuing their search for the 42-year-old rapper, who has gone into hiding after the case was reclassified as murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code.
“Let us do (what we need to do). Let the police do its job in finding him,” Fadil urged, addressing the public’s growing interest in the case.
Fadil confirmed that the rapper is currently untraceable after the case was reclassified as murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code.
“We believe Namewee is aware of the investigation, which has been widely covered by official and social media channels,” Fadil said, as quoted by local media earlier.
“We have not been able to locate him, and it is suspected that he has gone into hiding.”
The case, which was initially classified as a sudden death, was reclassified after new findings emerged during the investigation.
Under Section 302, authorities are mandated to arrest anyone suspected of involvement in a murder.
According to police, Namewee was the last person seen with 31-year-old Hsien Yun Hsin, also known as Iris Hsieh or the “Nurse Goddess,” before her body was discovered in a hotel room at Jalan Conlay at approximately 1.40 pm on October 22.
Meanwhile, Namewee’s father, Wee Ann Hee, a veteran judge in singing competitions, commented on the situation, saying that authorities are handling all matters related to the death of Hsieh.
Speaking to Sin Chew Daily, Wee Ann Hee said that the case is now under judicial investigation, and the family would refrain from making further comments. He added that Namewee had not returned to Muar in the past two or three months, although both parents had visited him in Kuala Lumpur at the end of last month.
“We haven’t heard from him directly on the incident, but he assured us of his safety when he contacted us,” Wee Ann Hee said.
“We are leaving everything to the police.”
When asked if the situation was causing stress for Namewee, Wee Ann Hee responded, “It probably isn’t. He’s very busy and sometimes switches off his phone, so we haven’t planned a visit to him in Kuala Lumpur.”
Earlier today, it was reported that the investigation into Hsieh’s death had been upgraded to a murder probe, with increased scrutiny on Namewee, who was present at the scene.
Police confirmed that the case, initially reported as a sudden death, was now being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code.
Local media have identified the deceased as Taiwanese influencer Hsieh, who was found dead in the bathroom of a Kuala Lumpur hotel. Her death gained significant attention, partly due to her collaboration with Namewee on a video project at the time.
Namewee was arrested at the same hotel where Hsieh’s body was discovered. Authorities later found nine pills believed to be ecstasy, and tests showed that Wee had allegedly ingested various illicit substances, including amphetamines, methamphetamine, ketamine, and THC.
The rapper faces charges under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for possession and consumption of drugs. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison for possession and up to two years for consumption. Bail has been set at RM4,000 per charge, with the next court appearance scheduled for December 18.
Investigators identified the rapper as a person of interest and are tracking his movements to ascertain his alleged involvement.
“Currently, we consider the person last seen with the victim as involved in the case,” Fadil said earlier today.
“We will call him in for questioning to assist with the investigation. Depending on the findings, we will determine if he should be treated as a suspect.”
Namewee has since denied any involvement in Hsieh’s death. In an Instagram post, he said, “I believe the truth will come to light once the police complete their investigation, which should take two to three months.”
Hsieh’s manager, Chris, has urged Namewee to clarify the circumstances surrounding her death. “I have never seen her take drugs,” he said, expressing disbelief at the situation and calling for transparency.
Police have confirmed that sexual assault was not a factor in Hsieh’s death. – November 4, 2025