Man detained to assist in murder probe after body found by roadside in Johor, iron rod seized

Johor Bahru police have detained a 47-year-old man, believed to be mentally unstable, to assist in the murder investigation of a 67-year-old man found dead by the roadside in Permas Jaya, Masai on Thursday, according to Supt Ng Swie Chait. The victim suffered multiple blunt trauma to the head, and the cause of death was confirmed by a forensic pathologist at Sultan Ismail Hospital. The motive and cause of the incident are still under investigation.

Police acted on information from the public after a viral video on social media showed the suspect behaving suspiciously by the roadside at the scene. During the arrest, police seized an iron rod and a portrait photo from the man. The suspect has two prior records of criminal and drug offences, but tested negative for drugs. He has been remanded for seven days, starting today, under Section 302 of the Penal Code.

The case is being investigated, and the public is urged to contact the JBS police headquarters hotline at 07-2182323 with any information regarding the incident.