Three Arrested in Connection With Murder of Bound Body Found in Batu Pahat River

JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 4 — Police have arrested three local men to assist in the investigation into the murder of a missing man whose body was discovered wrapped in netting and floating in Sungai Tanjung Sembrong, Parit Raja, Batu Pahat.

Johor Deputy Police Chief DCP Hoo Chuan Huat confirmed that the suspects, aged between 26 and 40, were detained in the Batu Pahat area yesterday shortly after the body was recovered.

“Police were alerted by members of the public at around 12.30 pm on Aug 3 to the discovery of a body wrapped in netting in Sungai Tanjung Sembrong, Parit Raja,” Hoo stated in an official release today.

Hoo noted that the victim was found with his hands and feet bound with adhesive tape, with visible injuries detected on his waist and arms. Initial identification by family members based on clothing and personal items at the scene indicates the deceased is a man who was reported missing by his wife in Mutiara Rini, Iskandar Puteri, on July 29.

Checks showed that two of the arrested suspects possess prior records related to criminal and drug offenses. Law enforcement personnel also seized five mobile phones during the arrests to support the ongoing probe.

All three suspects have been remanded for seven days from today until August 10 as investigators work under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.

“The motive for the killing remains under investigation, although police have not ruled out debt as a possible reason behind the murder,” Hoo said.

He advised members of the public against engaging in speculation or circulating unverified claims that could disrupt ongoing police inquiries.

–NMT