M’sian Rapper Namewee Linked To Death of Taiwanese Influencer, Charged With Drug Use & Possession

Malaysian rapper Namewee, 42, has been charged with drug use and possession following his arrest in October.

According to Kuala Lumpur police, the controversial artiste, whose name is Wee Meng Chee, was arrested in a hotel room in KL on October 22.

During a search, police found nine blue pills believed to be Ecstasy, weighing approximately 5.12g, said a police statement.

In an initial urine test, he tested positive for amphetamine, methamphetamine, ketamine and THC, the active compound in cannabis.

Namewee has pleaded not guilty to both charges and granted bail of RM4,000 (S$1.24K) with one surety for each count.

The case is scheduled for mention on Dec 18.

The arrest came amid ongoing speculation linking Namewee to the death of Taiwanese influencer Hsieh Yu Hsin, also known as Iris Hsieh, who was found dead in a hotel bathtub in Malaysia on Oct 22.

The 31-year-old was in Malaysia for work and her manager told Taiwan’s NOWnews that local authorities had listed heart attack as the preliminary cause of death.

Her family is still considering whether to pursue further investigation, given that she was athletic and in good health.

According to Sin Chew Daily, Namewee and Iris had been working on filming a video together and were discussing matters in the hotel room.

In an Instagram post yesterday (Nov 2), Namewee denied allegations of drug use and possession, insisting that the full truth would emerge once the police report is released — expected within the next two to three months.

"I saw another baseless news report, and I’m feeling really 'dulan' (Hokkien for 'frustrated'). I’ve also received a lot of concern from people, so I’ll reply to everyone here once and for all," he said. 

"I haven’t used drugs, nor have I been carrying any. At most, I’ve been drinking more lately. Believe it or not, the truth will come out when the police report is released."

He also claimed that he and others involved have been targets of blackmail in recent days and that they are “ready to fight to the end”.

Expressing sorrow over Iris’s death, Namewee said the ambulance took nearly an hour to arrive, and criticised the emergency response hotline.