A 52-year-old tile installation contractor has been remanded for seven days to assist investigations into the murder of a learning-disabled man in Ladang Merdeka Cherbu, Padang Lati.
The remand order, effective from Thursday until next Wednesday, was issued by Magistrate Fakhrul Razzi Abd. Hamid at the Bachok Magistrate’s Court.
The suspect, who is also the victim’s employer, was brought to court at around 9.32am in a police vehicle. He is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
Bachok District Police Chief Mohamad Ismail Jamaluddin confirmed that the man was arrested within the district on Wednesday. He said the victim, 20-year-old Muhammad Zakir Fikry Mohd. Zainal, had been working as a tile installer under the suspect.
The case has drawn attention following reports that the victim succumbed to severe head injuries after more than 17 hours in critical condition. He was initially found by villagers lying in a bloodied state but still alive before being rushed to Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) in Kubang Kerian, where he later died at 12.55am.
Family members revealed that the victim had no known disputes with anyone. His younger sister said he had been staying at his employer’s residence and was last seen about a week prior to the incident.
She added that on the night before the incident, her brother had borrowed his employer’s motorcycle to visit a friend. When he failed to return by 3am, the employer contacted the family to inquire about his whereabouts. Hours later, they were informed that he had been found injured in Kampung Padang Lati.
Authorities are continuing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident as the case is treated as a serious criminal matter.
