A 39-year-old man reported missing last week has been found dead in a Johor river, with his body wrapped in a fishing net and his hands and feet bound.
The victim is believed to be Chinese businessman Liu Kai Xian, who had reportedly gone missing after arriving at a mall in Skudai around noon on July 29.
Body found in fishing net
According to police, the man’s body was found in Sungai Tanjung Sembrong, Parit Raja, Batu Pahat.
He was reportedly wrapped in a fishing net, with his hands and feet tied with adhesive tape. Police also found injuries on his body.
The discovery was reported by a member of the public.
The victim’s identity was initially established through identification by his next of kin, as well as the clothing and belongings found with the body.
Family reported him missing
Liu had reportedly lost contact with his family after arriving at a mall in Skudai on July 29.
An incoming Skudai state assemblywoman, Jati, said she was informed by Liu’s family that his body had been found. She later urged the public to stop circulating photos and videos related to the discovery, asking people to respect the family’s grief.
Three men arrested
Police have since arrested three local men aged between 26 and 40 to assist in the investigation.
Johor deputy police chief Hoo Chuan Huat said preliminary checks found that two of the suspects had previous criminal and drug records.
All three have been remanded for seven days to assist investigations under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
Debt among possible motives
Police said they are investigating the case from all angles and have not ruled out debt as a possible motive.
However, the motive has not been confirmed at this stage.
Police have urged anyone with information that could help with the investigation to contact 019-2792095 or 07-2212999.
Follow Wah Piang for more.
