The remains of factory operator Santi Restauli Simbolon, 25, were found in her Nepali boyfriend’s room at the Green Garden flats, which was locked and left vacant for the past five days.

Northeast district police chief ACP Anuar Omar said investigators believed that Santi’s boyfriend, a 27-year-old factory operator, had a jealous streak and an argument could have led to her death.

He said Santi was discovered by her boyfriend’s housemates at 10pm yesterday after they noticed a foul stench coming from the room.

“They then broke down the door and discovered a padlocked wardrobe. After breaking the padlock, they found Santi’s body inside.

“There were no external injuries found in the preliminary examination by the forensic team,” Anuar told reporters today.

He said the two housemates, aged 22 and 23, had been detained to assist with the investigation.

“The men claim to have seen Santi’s boyfriend on March 9. Meanwhile, Santi’s housemate, who lives on the 17th floor of the same flat, claims to have seen her on March 10.”

Santi’s body has been sent to the Penang Hospital for a post-mortem.