Malaysian police have arrested six young men in connection with a deadly slashing attack in Pekan Nanas, Johor, which left a 22-year-old man dead in the early hours of 21 May.
According to Malaysian authorities, all six suspects are locals aged between 18 and 22, with several reportedly having prior criminal and drug-related records. Police said the suspects have also allegedly admitted involvement in the fatal attack.
The case has drawn widespread attention across Malaysia after claims surfaced online that the victim was a mildly disabled individual who had no involvement in gangs or criminal activity.
Victim allegedly unable to escape due to mild disability
Police confirmed the victim was a 22-year-old Indian Malaysian man from Saleng, Senai. A post-mortem reportedly found multiple severe slash wounds on his left arm and right leg, with the victim dying from massive blood loss.
A friend of the victim later shared an emotional Facebook post claiming the deceased was an OKU, referring to a person with disabilities in Malaysia.
According to the post, the victim had simply gone out for supper with friends at a lok lok stall in Pekan Nanas before the violence erupted.
The friend alleged that a group known locally as “21 Hai” suddenly arrived and began attacking people with weapons. While others managed to flee during the chaos, the victim allegedly could not escape in time because of his slower movement due to his disability.
Friend says victim was not involved in gangs
The emotional social media post described the victim as someone who “never caused trouble” and was not linked to secret societies or illegal activities.
It also claimed the victim came from a difficult family background, having lost both siblings while his mother had reportedly left the family years earlier. The victim was said to have been living only with his father for many years.
The post further stated that the father had now lost his only remaining family member.
However, some netizens commenting online speculated that the incident could have involved gang rivalries, though police have not publicly confirmed any gang-related motive at this stage.
Police seize weapons, vehicles and phones
Pontian district police chief Hazrul Hisham said officers from the Johor police contingent’s serious crimes division conducted multiple raids in Batu Pahat and Gelang Patah, leading to the arrests.
Authorities also seized several items believed to be linked to the case, including a Nissan Navara pickup truck, a Toyota Estima MPV, parang weapons, masks, clothing, and multiple mobile phones including an iPhone 17 Pro.
One suspect also reportedly tested positive for benzodiazepines during drug screening.
Police are currently investigating the case under Malaysia’s murder laws as well as drug-related offences, while efforts continue to determine the motive behind the deadly attack.