Senator Penny Wong vows to keep the heat on Malaysia over mystery of Adelaide grandmother Anna Jenkins

Senator Penny Wong has vowed to keep pursuing the truth over the mystery death of Adelaide grandmother Anna Jenkins in Malaysia.

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has vowed to keep the heat on Malaysian authorities over the investigation into the mysterious death of Adelaide grandmother Annapuranee Jenkins.

During her trip to Kuala Lumpur and her hometown of Kota Kinabalu this week, Senator Wong said the case was “very distressing” and she would be watching the Malaysian inquest closely when it resumes on July 18.

“Anna” Jenkins vanished during a visit to the Malaysian island of Penang in December 2017. She was on her way to visit her mother in an aged-care home, but she disappeared after getting into an Uber.

Her bones were later found in 2020 on a large construction site that is due to become a $107m luxury apartment complex.

Annapuranee ‘Anna’ and Frank Jenkins. .

Senator Penny Wong attends a brunch in Kuala Lumpur. Picture: DFAT

Ms Jenkins’s death is now the subject of a coroner’s inquest in Penang, which has so far heard Malaysian police failed to pursue basic leads in the investigation.

Senator Wong did not officially raise the case with Malaysian authorities during her visit to Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday and Wednesday, but since promised to follow the matter closely after questioning by NewsCorp Australia.

“I first raised this in opposition because I’d seen it in the Malaysian-Australian papers and it was really tragic and concerning,” Senator Wong said during an interview in Kota Kinabalu on Thursday.

“We asked a number of questions in opposition and I understand there is a coronial inquiry. We will certainly keep monitoring it.”

Senator Wong would not comment on whether she thought Malaysian police botched the investigation, but said: “The family’s desire for more information is completely understandable.”

Ms Jenkins’s son Greg said he would have preferred Senator Wong raised the case in an official capacity.

“But … knowing how the Malaysian police have treated us, having someone like the Foreign Minister mention Mum’s case is absolutely huge,” Mr Jenkins said.

Mr Jenkins hoped Senator Wong’s words would ensure Malaysia knows Australia is watching the case closely and put more effort into the investigation.

It is understood Senator Wong’s office has been providing consular support for the Jenkins family.

“We don’t ask for anything, but we’ve spent over $200,000 in doing what the Malaysian police should have done,” said Mr Jenkins, who searched all corners of Penang in search of the truth.

SA-Best MLC Frank Pangallo will travel to Penang with Mr Jenkins when the inquest resumes on July 18. Royal Malaysia Police was contacted for comment.

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