JOHOR BARU: Istiqomah Ahmad Rozi, 33, identified by police as the victim whose dismembered body was found on Dec 31 last year was widely admired for her kindness and endearing personality.
Friends have taken to social media to express their sorrow and offer condolences to her family.
One teacher wrote: "No words can express it; you left us as a martyr... InsyaAllah, may you find paradise. May your departure receive the justice it deserves."
Others noted her admirable character, with one saying: "Innalillahi wainnailaihi warajiun... the search has finally ended. Shocked and saddened, my friend Istiqomah, why was the perpetrator so cruel? Rest in peace."
For nearly eight months, Istiqomah's family awaited news of her return. Her death was confirmed and shared by friends on various social media platforms.
Earlier, Alor Gajah District Police Chief Superintendent Ashari Abu Samah confirmed the identification after a DNA test linked the victim's mother to an unidentified body found in Pulau Sebang, Alor Gajah, on Dec 31.
An investigation and DNA testing conducted by the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Departments Data Bank/DNA Division on Aug 2 confirmed the match with the mother of a woman reported missing on Dec 27, 2023, in Johor.
Investigators from D9 of the Melaka CID, working with their Johor counterparts, have arrested a husband and wife, aged 36 and 37, in Chemor, Perak.