Alor Gajah police chief Ashari Abu Samah said the woman had her identity confirmed through a DNA test conducted on Aug 2.

He added that following intelligence gathered by the Melaka criminal investigation department’s (CID) special investigation division, together with the Johor CID and the Alor Gajah police, they arrested a couple aged 36 and 37 in Chemor, Perak, to assist in the investigation.

“Their interrogation led to the discovery of other parts of the victim’s body near where the initial remains were found,” Ashari said in a statement.

He said the couple had been remanded for seven days from Aug 6 and an application to extend their remand is expected to be made today.

Ashari said the case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.

He urged the public to channel any information on the case to the Alor Gajah police at 06-556 2222 or investigating officer Norehan Omar at 010-406 4003.

The media previously reported that a decapitated body was found in a drain on the Alor Gajah-Tampin trunk road near Kampung Rimau, Pulau Sebang, on Dec 31 at about 2pm.

Meanwhile, Ashaari said police are still searching for the remaining parts of Istiqomah’s body.

He explained that her remains cannot yet be returned to her family for funeral arrangements.

“The post-mortem has been completed, but some parts of the body are still missing. The body cannot be released yet, because the investigation is ongoing.

“Once everything is resolved, we will proceed with the release (of the remains). I will keep you updated,” he said briefly to reporters via WhatsApp today.

He said police are committed to solving this case, and will continue until the suspect is charged in court.