KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 16 -- Nearly nine in 10 intimate-partner murders recorded in Malaysia since 2017 happened without prior planning, with police saying most were triggered by escalating disputes, jealousy or arguments.

Of 165 such killings recorded between 2017 and June this year, 144 occurred without prior planning, while only 21 cases, or 12.7 per cent, showed elements of premeditation, Berita Harian reported today, citing Bukit Aman's Serious Crimes Investigation Division (D9).

"The majority of murder cases involving intimate partners occurred spontaneously without prior planning. Such incidents were typically triggered by escalating conflicts such as misunderstandings, jealousy or arguments.

"These conflicts eventually led to murd...