However, he was pulled from the water by a group of fishermen and was arrested by the police.

Seberang Perai Utara police chief Asri Shafie said in a statement that the man was believed to have hacked the woman to death with a parang in Jalan Raja Uda, Butterworth, Penang.

Asri said the suspect was believed to have struck the woman across the back of her neck with the parang.

He said she was rushed to Seberang Jaya Hospital but was pronounced dead at 11.58am today.

“There are bruise marks on the back of her neck and left shoulder,” he said, adding that police had begun a murder investigation.

The suspect, in his 20s, is currently receiving treatment at a hospital after injuring himself when jumping off the bridge.

“Those with information about the case are urged to contact the police,” Asri said.