Police are investigating the possibility of criminal elements in the death of a 20-year-old learning-disabled man in Kelantan, after a post-mortem revealed he died from head injuries caused by blunt force trauma.
Kelantan Police Chief Mohd Yusuff Mamat confirmed that the victim, Muhammad Zakir Fikry Mohd Zainal, was found unconscious at Ladang Merdeka Cherbu in Padang Lati, near Kampung Chap in Bekelam, at about 8.30am on Tuesday.
He was initially assisted by members of the public who alerted emergency services before he was rushed to Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia in Kubang Kerian for treatment. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at 12.55am on Wednesday, roughly 17 hours after receiving treatment in the Red Zone emergency unit.
Post-mortem results later confirmed that the cause of death was head injuries consistent with blunt force trauma. Authorities also noted additional injuries, including damage to the bladder, lung wounds and head trauma, suggesting a severe assault prior to his death.
Preliminary investigations at the scene found no signs of a road accident, while the victim’s Honda C70 motorcycle was discovered in intact condition without damage. These findings have led police to rule out a traffic collision as the cause of the incident.
Given the circumstances, investigators have not ruled out foul play and have reclassified the case as murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code. Police are also urging members of the public with any information to come forward and assist investigations by contacting the Bachok District Police Headquarters or the nearest police station.
