Suspected amok received information via SMS - Police

The police have begun investigations into a chat via short messaging service (SMS) between a suspected amok and an individual which complicated negotiations to save five hostages in Taman Duyong Indah here early yesterday.

Melaka police chief Datuk Chuah Ghe Lye said the police had seized the mobile phone of the suspect, in his 30's and found an SMS chat giving information on the negotiation process which angered the suspect, leading to his refusal to cooperate.

"I have asked residents about the group SMS chat on the suspect's handphone but have not obtained confirmation whether an individual gave the suspect information or the suspect himself was already part of the group conversation.

"The action of the individual concerned was irresponsible as police were trying to rescue the victims, and the individual could have complicated matters and caused the death of the five hostages," he said when commenting on the amok case at a house in Taman Duyong Indah.

In the incident, the suspect's 44-year-old wife, his 63-year-old mother, and the couple's three children aged three, seven and nine, were taken hostage by the man for more than six hours at the family home.

The hostages were rescued when the police stormed the house about 2am. Chuah said the suspect's mother had been discharged from hospital while his wife was still warded for injuries.

"The suspect however, tested positive for syabu and has been remanded for seven days to facilitate investigations," he said.