Penang police chief Hamzah Ahmad said police received a report on the discovery of the bodies at about 5.30pm by nearby residents.

“Police went to the scene and found two women in the front seats of the vehicle. The car was locked, so they sought help from the fire and rescue department.

“The duo were believed to have been dead for a few days, based on the condition of the bodies,” he said.

Hamzah said police were investigating the case as one of sudden death with no criminal element.

Meanwhile, Central Seberang Perai police chief Helmi Aris said autopsy results revealed the women, aged 25 and 30, had died four days ago due to helium gas inhalation.

The autopsy was conducted by the forensics unit of the Seberang Jaya Hospital.

“Police checks at the location where their bodies were found did not turn up any weapon or equipment that could be linked to the death of the two women or any criminal element,” Helmi added.

He said investigations revealed that the families of both women had reported them missing on July 5.

Both women were said to be good friends who came to Penang from Negeri Sembilan for a holiday, he added.

Their bodies were claimed by their families after the autopsies were completed at around 2pm today.