IPOH: The death of a 25-year old man killed with a machete in a late-night attack in Buntong near here is due to a gang dispute, says Comm Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin.
The Perak police chief said that the case is still under investigation and a suspect has been detained.
“Based on the preliminary investigations, the incident has stemmed from a gang dispute, but investigations are still ongoing.
“This is a criminal act and is not related to any racial issues,” he told reporters after attending the closure of the School Liason Empowerment Seminar Tuesday (April 7).
“The suspect, who works in a clerical role at a car rental premise, is under a seven-day remand to assist with investigations.
“We are working to get more information from the suspect to determine what exactly happened and the motive behind the dispute,” he added.
The case is being investigated under Sections 302, 326 and 148 of the Penal Code for murder, causing grievous hurt and rioting with weapons, respectively.
He also said that two of the victim’s friends, who were injured in the attack, are currently receiving treatment at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun here and are in a stable condition.
“We will work with the Health Ministry to monitor the victims’ condition, as they are also key witnesses to the incident,” he said.
Earlier, Ipoh OCPD Asst Comm Muhammad Najib Hamzah in a statement said that the police were informed about a fight in the area at 11.10pm on Monday (April 6) and a team was sent to the scene.
Upon arrival, a man was found lying in the middle of the road with severe injuries believed to have been inflicted using a sharp weapon.
ACP Najib said initial investigations revealed that the victim had earlier been at a car rental premises with several friends before a group of suspects arrived and attacked them with machetes.
"Several of the victim’s friends were also injured and are receiving treatment at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun here.
"We have arrested a man to assist in the investigation, while efforts are ongoing to track down other suspects," he added.
Those with information on the incident are urged to contact the nearest police station or the Ipoh district police headquarters.
