Four men have been charged in connection with the murder of a 39-year-old businessman whose body was discovered floating in a river in Johor earlier this month.
The accused — S. Yogesvaran, 40, Lim Yong Ming, 26, N. Achutan, 32, and How Han Wei, 33 — appeared before the Batu Pahat Magistrate’s Court, where the murder charge was read out.
No plea was recorded as the case falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court.
According to the charge sheet, the four men were accused of jointly murdering Low Kai Xian between 2.35pm on 29 July and 12.30pm on 3 August.
The alleged offence took place at two locations — in front of an eatery along Jalan Emas Putih 2 in Taman Sri Skudai, Johor Baru, and at Sungai Tanjung Sembrong in Batu Pahat.
Businessman’s Body Found Wrapped In Net
The case came to light after Low was reported missing by his wife on 29 July. Family members later discovered his vehicle in Johor Baru, prompting police investigations.
Authorities subsequently found a body floating in Sungai Tanjung Sembrong near Parit Raja earlier this month. The body was reportedly wrapped in a net, with preliminary investigations indicating that the victim may have been strangled using a rope.
Police investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly transported the victim in a vehicle before binding his hands with adhesive tape and wrapping his body in the net.
Five suspects were initially arrested following the discovery, although only four have been charged with murder.
The charge was framed under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the possibility of the death penalty or imprisonment of up to 40 years, along with whipping of not less than 12 strokes if the death sentence is not imposed upon conviction.
Court Awaits Forensic Reports In Murder Case
Deputy Public Prosecutor Nur Shahzleen Ibrahim appeared for the prosecution during the court proceedings.
Three of the accused — Yogesvaran, Lim and How — were represented by lawyer SJ Sean Dudley, while Achutan was represented by Datin Freda Sabapathy. Lawyers Chuah Shyue Chien and Kenji Soh Xin Da also attended the hearing as watching briefs for the victim’s family.
The court fixed 14 October for the next mention of the case to allow authorities to obtain additional investigation materials, including the post-mortem report, DNA analysis, closed-circuit television footage and mobile phone forensic findings.
Police believe the alleged murder may have been linked to a debt-related dispute, although investigations are still ongoing.
Authorities also revealed that two of the suspects had previous records involving criminal and illegal substance-related offences.
The case has drawn attention due to the circumstances surrounding the businessman’s disappearance and the discovery of his body in the river. Further details are expected to emerge as forensic examinations and police investigations continue.
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