Malaysian rapper Namewee charged with drug offenses following death of Taiwanese influencer

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Malaysian rapper Namewee has been charged with drug offenses following the death of Taiwanese social media influencer Iris Hsieh Yu-hsin in a Kuala Lumpur hotel last month.

The 31-year-old nursing graduate, known online as the "nursing department goddess," was found unconscious in a hotel bathtub on October 22 and pronounced dead after being hospitalized.

Police confirmed they detained Namewee, whose real name is Wee Meng-chee, and discovered nine blue pills suspected to be ecstasy during a search. His urine test returned positive for four types of drugs including amphetamine, methamphetamine, ketamine and THC.

The rapper has been charged under Malaysia's Dangerous Drugs Act with drug possession and abuse, facing potential imprisonment, caning and fines if convicted. He pleaded not guilty during his October 24 court appearance and was released on 8,000 ringgit bail.

Namewee claimed in a statement that he doesn't use drugs and criticized the nearly one-hour ambulance response time, saying: "I really don't know what the 999 number is for - when you call they even scold you."

Hospital preliminary reports indicate Hsieh died of heart failure, though her family awaits complete autopsy results. Police found no signs of sexual assault at the scene and aren't investigating rape allegations.

The case has drawn attention across Malaysia and Taiwan, with authorities establishing a special task force. The next court hearing is scheduled for December 18.