MIRI: Police on Thursday believed they have a strong lead to solve the murder of a 37-year-old man who was slashed to death by assailants on Tuesday evening at Jalan Tritonia here.
The suspects being brought to court for reman order.
The deceased has been identified as Lee Hua Dong.
“The arrest of five suspects, all locals, were made less than 24 hours after the incident occurred,” said Miri police chief ACP Gan Tian Kee. He said this during a press conference held at Miri police headquarters here yesterday.
The suspects are aged between 30 and 39.
“They were apprehended during an ambush laid from 4.30pm to 9pm on Wednesday by our special force led by ASP Nagulan Maniam within the city area,” said Gan.
Police seized two motorcycles (believed to be stolen), a samurai sword, a wooden club, two helmets and a cockspur from them.
Also present during the press conference was Superintendent Stanley Jonathan Ringgit. All suspects have been remanded for seven days to facilitate police investigation.
“Our initial investigation revealed that the attack ensued over a misunderstanding over drugs,” said Gan.
Gan added that the deceased had a criminal record, and had been nabbed by the Narcotics Department here.
“Lee (the deceased) succumbed to injuries sustained on his forehead and right thigh after being slashed with a machete,” said Gan.
According to sources, in the 5pm incident at Jalan Tritonia on Tuesday (July 22), the assailants, each wielding a machete, chased Lee in the attack. The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.