Three suspects arrested over murder of former Malaysian GP racer

KANGAR: Police have arrested three male suspects over the murder of former Malaysian GP racer Elly Idzlianizar Elias, 40, who was stabbed on late Tuesday (Sept 10) night and died while receiving treatment at the Tuanku Fauziah Hospital here early Wednesday (Sept 11).

Kangar police chief ACP Yusharifuddin Mohd Yusop said the suspects, aged from 28 to 51, were arrested in Perlis on Wednesday and police also seized a samurai sword measuring 112cm in length.

"Police also seized a blue car which had a cracked windscreen and visible red stains, believed to be blood.

"Checks revealed the suspects had prior records involving crimes such as attempted murder, threats, arson, rioting with weapons, vehicle theft, gambling and drug offences," he said during a press conference here on Thursday (Sept 12).

On the stabbing, Yusharifuddin said the police received information about a fight that occurred at Taman Behor Gonchar Jaya at 11.13pm on Tuesday and details indicated that the former national racer was severely injured and taken to hospital by ambulance.

"The victim was pronounced dead at around midnight. The post-mortem conducted at the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital (Alor Setar, Kedah) revealed that the victim died from severe bleeding caused by 12 stab wounds," he said.

He added that the three suspects are believed to be acquaintances of the victim and the incident is believed to have occurred due to a misunderstanding which escalated into a fight.

"All three suspects are currently in remand for seven days and the case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code (for murder)," he said.

Elly Idzlianizar made his name in the local Cub Prix racing scene and was also selected to participate in the national wildcard rider programme for the Malaysian Grand Prix in 2009. – Bernama