MELAKA: Police have reclassified the death of a 21-year-old delivery rider as murder after he succumbed to head injuries sustained during an unpermitted concert at a cafe in Kampung Jawa last week.
According to Sinar Harian, Melaka Tengah District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Halim Abas, on Sunday (Oct 25) said the victim was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Melaka Hospital on Oct 17. He was pronounced dead five days later, on Oct 21 at 3.53pm.
Following his death, police detained 10 male suspects aged 18 to 25.
Halim confirmed that the event was held without permits from either the police or the local authority.
The case, initially opened under Section 326 of the Penal Code for causing grievous hurt with a dangerous weapon, is now being investigated under Section 302 for murder.
The incident sparked public backlash online after viral posts on the Threads platform alleged a patron had died at the venue and questioned why the cafe remained open for business.
In a statement addressing the allegations, the cafe management denied that the victim died on their premises, claiming he passed away in the hospital after suffering a fall. The management added that they have cooperated fully with police by providing statements.
They also clarified that the cafe was closed on Oct 18 to facilitate on-site police forensics and only resumed normal operations after receiving official clearance from authorities.
