JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 4 (Bernama) -- Three local men have been arrested to help police investigate the murder of a man whose body was discovered wrapped in netting in Sungai Tanjung Sembrong, Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, yesterday.
Johor deputy police chief DCP Hoo Chuan Huat said the three suspects, aged between 26 and 40, were arrested around Batu Pahat on the same day the victim’s body was found.
“Police were alerted by members of the public at around 12.30 pm on Aug 3 to the discovery of a body wrapped in netting in Sungai Tanjung Sembrong, Parit Raja.
“The victim was found with his hands and feet bound with adhesive tape, and several injuries were detected on the waist and arms,” he said in a statement today.
He said checks revealed that two of the suspects had previous records related to criminal and drug offences, while five mobile phones were also seized to assist investigations.
According to Hoo, the victim’s wife lodged a police report on July 29 after he went missing in Mutiara Rini, Iskandar Puteri, and the case was initially treated as a missing person case.
He said initial identification by the family suggested the body was that of the missing victim, based on the clothing and personal items found at the scene.
Hoo said the case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, adding that all the suspects have been remanded for seven days from today until Aug 10 to assist police investigations.
“The motive for the killing remains under investigation, although police have not ruled out debt as a possible reason behind the murder,” he said.
He also advised the public not to speculate or spread unverified information that could hinder police investigations.
-- BERNAMA