GEORGE TOWN: The police have reclassified the case of a fisherman who was hit with a helmet as the 65-year-old victim has died while receiving treatment.
Balik Pulau OCPD Supt A. Anbalagan said the case was initially investigated under Section 326 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing grievous hurt, but has now been reclassified under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
Supt Anbalagan said the man died on Monday (June 10) due to head injuries.
The man died after 20 days of being hospitalised after he was allegedly hit by an employer with a helmet at a flat along Lebuh Batu Maung 4 on May 22 at 5.40pm.
He said the incident took place after the suspect, a 35-year-old fisherman, demanded that the victim repay a debt of RM180.
"The suspect then allegedly hit the victim with a helmet at the flat's motorcycle parking space before a resident saw the incident and heard the victim screaming," said Supt Anbalagan.
He added that the suspect fled the scene and the resident contacted for an ambulance to transport the victim to Penang Hospital," Supt Anbalagan said on Tuesday (June 11).
The victim received treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and was on life support before he was transferred to the Sungai Bakap Hospital due to a shortage of space at the Penang Hospital.
"During treatment at the ICU, the victim was still unconscious and passed away at 10pm yesterday," he said.
Police have arrested the suspect, who tested positive for methamphetamine, and the investigation papers had been sent to the Deputy Public Prosecutor's office for further action.
