Mona Fandey: The Witchcraft Murderess

SECTION A: Introduction 

In the underbelly of Malaysia’s history lies the haunting legend of Mona Fandey, a woman whose life once straddled the worlds of music, mysticism, and murder. With a dark and mysterious past that continues to intrigue people, her story is a chilling glimpse into the uncharted territories of crime and the occult. Join us, as we peel back the layers of this captivating and unsettling story, shedding light on a figure that continues to send shivers down spines.

Name :Nur Maznah binti Ismail 

Born :January 17, 1956

Died :November 2, 2001

Spouse :Mohamed Affandi bin Abdul Rahman

From :Kangar, Perlis

Career :Pop singer and a self-proclaimed witch doctor

Crime :Murder, ritualistic killing

Cause of Death :Execution

SECTION B: Mona Fandey’s Upbringing

On January 17th 1956, Nur Maznah Ismail was born in Kangar, Perlis. In her early years, Maznah dreamed of the glitz and glam that a life of fame offered. Her ultimate goal in life was to become a superstar. From a young age, she showed an interest in singing and dancing and was eager to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. She took up water ballet and even had televised performances of the artform. 

In her twenties, Maznah met her most infamous husband, Mohammad Nor Affandi Abdul Rahman, who claimed to be her biggest fan. Following two previous marriages, Affandi became her third husband who fully supported her dreams of becoming a popstar. She took on the stage name “Mona Fandey” in hopes of becoming more memorable in the eyes of the public.

Mona Fandey’s Short Lived Music Career:

• 1987: Mona released her debut album “Diana” which was fully funded by her husband. 
• Mona appeared several times on television during her career as a singer.
• Unfortunately, the album had fallen short of expectations, barely making a dent in the music industry.

SECTION C: The Gruesome Murder of Datuk Mazlan Idris

The failure of Mona’s music career led the couple to pursue other means of obtaining income, turning to the world of witchcraft as their next hope. The pursuit was successful, allowing them to draw in high-profile customers to further bloom their business. The ex-singer became the face of the business, becoming known locally as a notorious shaman or “bomoh”.

Mona often offered her services to politicians who sought after success in their career. She offered religious talismans and lucky charms to these politicians for a hefty price, but the politicians who felt like they had nothing to lose, made the bold choice to test their luck. After all, the rewards seemed too good to be true.

Important facts to note on Mona Fandey’s witchcraft activities:

• Witchcraft and  witch doctors were extremely popular in the 1990s of Malaysia.
• Mona was able to differentiate herself from other bomohs as she was a young woman when other bomohs tend to be middle-aged men. 
• Mona and Affandi quickly became the go-to shamans for the wealthy and regularly treated people for their health, career and success. 
• The profits funded Mona’s lavish lifestyle, having owned multiple houses and frequented luxury hotels.

The quick rise of the witchcraft-practising pair caught the attention of Datuk Mazlan Idris, a member of the Dewan Undangan Negeri (State Assembly) for Batu Talam, Pahang. This led to the assemblyman approaching Mona Fandey in 1993, with hopes of boosting his political career through black magic and witchcraft. 

As a result, the shamans and their assistant, Juraimi Hassan, requested Idris to pay RM2,500,000 for their services. These costs also allegedly included the lucky charms of Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno. Trusting the bomoh couple, Idris had paid a RM500,000 deposit and even promised 10 land titles for the remaining balance. However, Idris was yet to know that this greed for success would ultimately lead to his demise. 

Note: It is believed that a land deal had fallen through, a happening which infuriated the couple. This was allegedly the main motive for the murder.

Chronology of the Murder: 

• July 1993: Mazlan Idris was persuaded to partake in a cleansing ritual by the witch doctors at their house.  
• Mazlan Idris was made to lie down on the floor and close his eyes. Flowers were then placed over his eyes. 
• The politician was told to wait for money to “fall from the sky”. 
• Juraimi then beheaded the politician with an axe. 
• That was just the beginning of the heinous crime, his body was then chopped into 18 pieces.

• Datuk Mazlan Idris’s body was also partially skinned.
• A number of body parts have never been found to this day. 

• Juraimi was then told to bury the parts of Idris’s body in a storeroom of an incomplete house located nearby Mona Fandey’s home. 

• 2nd July 1993: Mazlan Idris was reported missing after failing to attend several official activities
• Idris had also withdrawn RM 300,000 from a bank in Kuala Lumpur on the day of his disappearance.
• It was known that Idris had gone missing after his visit with the witch doctors however there was nothing that could tie the couple to the case.

• 22 July 1993: Juraimi Hassan was arrested and detained by the police due to an unrelated drug case.
• Juraimi, who was believed to be high on drugs, confessed to the murder of Mazlan Idris.
• The assistant led the police to the storeroom where he had buried the parts of the deceased politician. 
• The police dug a hole which was 1.9 metres deep; the body parts were discovered under concrete that was used to try to dispose off the body. 

• Mona Fandey, Mohamad Nor Affandi and Juraimi Hassan were arrested on the same day. 

SECTION D: Charges Pressed & Reactions

Mona Fandey, her husband, and their accomplice faced grave charges that sent shockwaves throughout Malaysia. The primary and most serious charge was that of murder. It was an act so shocking and ritualistic that it left the nation in disbelief. 

The trial that followed was nothing short of a media sensation. Inside the courtroom, the prosecution unveiled a narrative steeped in black magic, sinister rituals, and a chilling mix of superstition. Testimonies painted a picture – of a conspiracy born from the darkest depths of human nature. The defence, on the other hand, tried to peel back the layers of mystique that cloaked the accused, seeking to find a rational explanation for the horrifying murder. This trial not only held the nation in thrall, but also sparked profound discussions about the blurred lines between tradition and modernity.

Following an unfavourable verdict at the trial, Mona Fandey, her husband Affandi, and their accomplice Juraimi were somberly escorted to the gallows in the early hours of a fateful Friday morning, where they faced their ultimate fate through execution. This private event was witnessed by a select few, including guards and officials, with no access for the press or the public. After an hour, the bodies were taken down for autopsy and subsequent burial. Mona and Affandi were interred in Kajang, while Juraimi found his final resting place in Port Klang’s Telok Gong Muslim cemetery.

• Public reaction

Mona Fandey’s house, shrouded in eerie legends of the supernatural, has become a magnet for an array of curious visitors. Over time, stories of the house being haunted have circulated, luring paranormal enthusiasts and adventurers seeking to unlock its secrets. Local residents add to the mystique, with their own beliefs and superstitions surrounding the house. Interestingly, some urban explorers have pushed the boundaries of legality, trespassing onto the property despite its private ownership, in pursuit of hidden secrets.

• Media Reaction

“Dukun”, the Malaysian horror-thriller, takes bold inspiration from the sensational tale of Mona Fandey, offering a fictionalised glimpse into her dark and enigmatic world. While the film isn’t a factual documentary, it brilliantly captures the essence of this infamous murder case and its uncanny connection to the supernatural.

Conclusion

In her final moments, standing on the precipice between life and death, Mona Fandey’s last words resounded with an eerie defiance: “aku takkan mati” (I will not die). These chilling last words encapsulate the sinister spirit that defined her persona, echoing the unsolved mysteries and unrelenting intrigue that shadow her life of crimes. The blurred boundary between reality and myth keeps her name alive through time, sending shivers down spines and ensuring her legend lives on. So, as we close the chapter on this captivating narrative, we’re left with a question that lingers – What other untold secrets might Mona Fandey have taken with her to the grave, and will we ever discover them?

Written By: Ruby & Trezshur

Edited By: Poorani