JOHOR BARU: Police have arrested two more suspects in connection with the murder of a businessman whose body was found bound and wrapped in netting in a river near Parit Raja, Batu Pahat.
Johor Deputy Police Chief Deputy Comm Hoo Chuan Huat said the latest arrests bring the total number of individuals detained in the case to five.
"We believe the motive stems from loan-related issues," DCP Hoo said on Wednesday (Aug 5), adding that investigations are still underway when asked if illegal moneylenders (loansharks) were involved.
The body was discovered in Sungai Tanjung Sembrong around 12.30pm on Monday (Aug 3) after members of the public alerted the authorities. Next-of-kin later identified the deceased, who had been reported missing by his wife on July 29, through his clothing and personal belongings.
"Initial investigations revealed the victim’s hands and legs were bound with adhesive tape. The body, which was wrapped and tied in netting, sustained injuries to the waist and arms," DCP Hoo stated.
Following the discovery, a joint team from the Johor and Batu Pahat Criminal Investigation Departments arrested three local men, aged 26 to 40, in Batu Pahat on Monday (Aug 3). Police seized five mobile phones during the operation, and background checks revealed two of the suspects have prior criminal and drug records.
The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder. All three initial suspects have been remanded for seven days until Aug 10.
Police urge anyone with information to contact the Johor police hotline at 019-2792095 or the state headquarters operations room at 07-2212999.
