Body wrapped in net: Two more suspects held to aid probe

JOHOR BAHRU – Two more men were detained yesterday to assist investigations into the murder of a man whose body was found bound and wrapped in a net before being dumped into Sungai Tanjung Sembrong, Parit Raja, last Sunday.

The latest arrests bring to five the number of individuals held so far in connection with the case.

Johor deputy police chief Deputy Commissioner Hoo Chuan Huat said the two suspects, aged 33 and 34, were picked up in the Kluang and Johor Bahru areas following follow-up investigations.

He said the court allowed both suspects to be remanded for six days until Aug 10.

“So far, five individuals have been detained. Three suspects arrested earlier have been remanded for seven days until Aug 10, while the two arrested yesterday have also been remanded until the same date.

“Investigations are continuing and police are still tracing whether there are more individuals involved. I cannot say that there are no more suspects still at large,” he told a press conference at the Johor police contingent headquarters here today.

Debt believed to be the motive

Chuan Huat said initial investigations found the motive was believed to be linked to debt problems, but further investigations were ongoing to determine the role of each suspect.

“So far it is believed one of the suspects owed money to the victim, while the others are believed to be linked as friends,” he said.

On the cause of death, he said police were still waiting for the full post-mortem report from the Forensics Department before any confirmation could be made.

Kosmo! reported yesterday that the man's body was found wrapped and tied with a net before it was seen floating in Sungai Tanjung Sembrong, Parit Raja.

Following the discovery, police opened an investigation under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder and are working to complete the probe to identify everyone involved.