Three men have been charged with murder over the fatal chopping of a 38-year-old man outside a restaurant in Johor two months ago, in a case Malaysian police believe was linked to a dispute involving rival gang factions.
The suspects, aged between 24 and 32, appeared at the Tangkak Magistrate’s Court on May 12 under heavy police escort.
According to court documents, the three accused allegedly murdered 38-year-old Tong Wei Sheng outside a house near Bukit Gambir on the evening of March 13. Prosecutors stated that the attack was carried out together with another suspect who remains at large.
The men were charged under Section 302 of the Malaysian Penal Code for murder, read together with Section 34 involving common intention.
If convicted, they face the death penalty or imprisonment ranging from 30 to 40 years. Offenders spared the death sentence may still face at least 12 strokes of the cane.
As murder cases fall under the jurisdiction of the High Court, no plea was recorded during the court proceedings.
One Suspect Also Charged Over Alleged Illegal Gang Membership
One of the accused also faced an additional charge involving alleged membership in an unlawful organisation known as “Phoenix Mountain”.
Court documents stated that the man was allegedly found to be a member of the unregistered group during an arrest operation at the Tangkak district police headquarters on April 28.
He pleaded not guilty to the offence under Malaysia’s Societies Act 1966.
If convicted, the offence carries penalties of up to three years’ jail, a fine, or both.
The court later fixed June 9 for mention of the unlawful society charge, while the murder case will return to court on July 14 pending submission of forensic and chemical analysis reports.
Victim’s Family Held Protest Outside Court
Emotions reportedly ran high outside the courthouse as family members of the deceased gathered to witness the proceedings.
Relatives carried banners demanding justice and shouted slogans calling for the perpetrators to receive severe punishment.
The victim’s mother reportedly became emotional while speaking to reporters, saying the family had been unable to sleep peacefully since the killing.
She said the family wanted to personally see the faces of those accused of murdering her son.
According to the family, the victim’s 11-year-old son has also struggled emotionally following his father’s death and frequently asks whether the attackers have been caught.
Relatives stated that they intend to attend every future court hearing until the case concludes.
Police Previously Linked Case To Gang Conflict
Earlier investigations by Malaysian police reportedly suggested the killing stemmed from a dispute involving rival groups competing for members.
Authorities said the victim had gone to a restaurant for a “discussion” before several masked men allegedly stormed the area armed with machetes.
The victim reportedly attempted to flee before being repeatedly attacked and later succumbing to his injuries.
Police launched multiple raids across Johor and neighbouring states following the killing, arresting several individuals and seizing weapons, masks, gloves and partially burned clothing believed to be linked to the attack.
The case has attracted widespread public attention in Malaysia due to the brutal nature of the assault and alleged links to organised criminal groups.
Image Source: Sin Chew Daily / Singapore Uncensored