Kota Setar police chief Siti Nor Salawati Saad said police went to the scene after receiving information at 7.48am about the woman’s son, who holds a person with disabilities or OKU card, going amok.

She said the incident was believed to have stemmed from an argument between the 68-year-old woman and her son, 43.

“The woman’s grandson, aged 14, was also in the house. According to the boy, the incident happened between 7am and 7.30am. He heard his father and grandmother arguing and then heard the woman screaming for help.

“The boy then ran out of the house to ask the neighbours for help. Some neighbours tried to see what was happening but were threatened by the suspect. They then contacted the police for further action,” she said in a statement here today.

Upon arriving at the scene, police officers arrested the man, Siti Nor Salawati said. Further checks found that the victim had been burnt.

The body was taken to the forensic department of Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital here for an autopsy. The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.

Polive have also obtained a seven-day remand order against the suspect, issued by Magistrate Nur Syifa Hamzah today.