JOHOR BARU: The body of a man reported missing five days ago in Mutiara Rini was found wrapped in netting and tied up in a river near Parit Raja, Batu Pahat.
Johor Deputy Police Chief Deputy Comm Hoo Chuan Huat said police were alerted to the discovery in Sungai Tanjung Sembrong by a member of the public at around 12:30 pm on Monday (Aug 3).
The deceased was identified by next-of-kin through his clothing and personal belongings. The man was reported missing by his wife on July 29.
“Initial investigations revealed the victim’s hands and legs were bound with adhesive tape, and the body, wrapped and tied with netting, sustained injuries to the waist and arms,” DCP Hoo said in a statement on Tuesday (Aug 4).
Following the discovery, officers from the Johor and Batu Pahat Criminal Investigation Departments arrested three local men, aged 26 to 40, in Batu Pahat on Monday (Aug 3). Two of the suspects have prior criminal and drug records, and police seized five mobile phones during the arrest.
DCP Hoo said the case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, with all three suspects remanded for seven days until Aug 10.
“The motive remains under investigation, though police do not rule out debt as a possible factor,” he said, advising the public against speculating to avoid disrupting ongoing investigations.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Johor police hotline at 019-2792095 or the state headquarters operations room at 07-2212999.
