A 37-year-old local man from Ayer Itam was found dead inside his wife's locked car parked in front of an ice cream shop along Jalan Sungai Dua, Penang, at about 11:47 a.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. The neatly dressed man was lying in the driver's seat when discovered [1, 2, 3].
Police estimated the victim had died approximately five days before being found, placing his time of death around May 24 [1, 2, 3]. Northeast District Deputy Police Chief Superintendent Lee Swee Sake said, "The victim is also believed to have died approximately five days before his body was found yesterday. There were no elements of crime detected. The case has been classified as a sudden death and a Sudden Death Report has been opened for further investigation" [3].
A post-mortem examination conducted at Penang Hospital Forensic Department confirmed the cause of death as carbon monoxide poisoning [2, 3]. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can accumulate in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces, causing fatal poisoning [3].
The victim, an engineer by profession, is believed to have fallen asleep inside the vehicle while the engine was running, leading to the lethal buildup of carbon monoxide gas inside the locked car [2, 3]. No evidence suggested foul play or criminal involvement in the death [1, 2, 3].
Authorities continue to investigate as a sudden death case. The findings serve as a reminder of the dangers of running engines in enclosed spaces.
