Viral letter sparks Sibu Police probe into family abuse of woman who died of cancer

SIBU (Jan 22): The Sibu District Police have launched a full investigation into allegations of abuse following the circulation of a viral letter reportedly written by a 22-year-old woman shortly before her death.

The woman died at Sibu Hospital on Jan 18 after a battle with cancer, and her younger sister shared the letter on social media to highlight years of alleged physical and emotional mistreatment by family members and to draw attention to family abuse issues.

Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili confirmed that police received a formal report on Dec 9, 2025, from a local woman claiming she had been subjected to abuse by her family since 2013.

“Based on the report received, a police investigation paper has been opened, and preliminary inquiries – including obtaining statements from the complainant and related parties – are ongoing to ascertain the facts,” he said in a statement.

The case is being investigated under Section 31(1) of the Child Act 2001, which carries penalties of up to RM50,000, 20 years’ imprisonment, or both, upon conviction.

Zulkipli urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information or speculation online, warning that it could jeopardise the investigation.

He added that the police are conducting the inquiry thoroughly, transparently, and professionally to establish the facts.