POLICE have revealed that a heated altercation involving mutual accusations linked to the suspect’s family is believed to have triggered the killing of a man whose body was discovered wrapped in a mattress with his hands tied at a shophouse in Pokok Mangga, Melaka.
Melaka police chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said the latest breakthrough emerged following interrogation of the 40-year-old male suspect, who has been remanded to assist investigations.
“Results of further investigations found that the victim is believed to have been a friend of the suspect.
“The motive of the murder is believed to have stemmed from a quarrel following misunderstandings and accusations involving the suspect’s family while both were consuming drugs,” he said in a statement.
He added that the victim’s identity has not yet been conclusively confirmed and remains subject to DNA comparison with family members to establish scientific identification.
Dzulkhairi said police are continuing investigations from all angles in order to complete the investigation paper under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
He urged the public to avoid speculation that could disrupt the investigation and confirmed that members of the public with relevant information are encouraged to assist police.
“Members of the public who have any information related to this incident are requested to contact the investigating officer, Assistant Superintendent V Somsundram at 017-6954714,” he said.
Media reports on Friday said the decomposed body was discovered wrapped in a mattress with both hands tied inside a shophouse, with early investigations suggesting the victim had been dead for between two weeks and a month based on the advanced state of decomposition, making immediate identification difficult. - June 1, 2026
