Johor Businessman Found Dead in River After Days Missing, Police Probe Suspected Murder

A Malaysian businessman who disappeared after visiting a bank in Johor has been found dead, with police treating the case as a suspected murder.

The victim, identified by family members as 39-year-old businessman Liew Kai Xian, had been missing since July 29 after he reportedly lost contact with relatives shortly after arriving at a Public Bank branch in Taman Sutera Utama, Skudai.

His body was discovered floating in the Semporong River near Parit Raja in Batu Pahat, Johor, on August 4.

Body Found Bound in River

According to local reports, residents initially believed the object floating in the river was the carcass of an animal. However, upon closer inspection, they realised it was a human body.

The victim’s body was reportedly found bound, prompting police to investigate the case as a possible homicide.

Batu Pahat district police chief Assistant Commissioner Shahrul Annuar confirmed that a murder investigation had been opened. He added that further details would be released by the Johor police headquarters.

The discovery came just days after Liew’s family launched an appeal on social media, hoping members of the public could help locate him.

Family’s Search Ends in Tragedy

Liew was last seen at around 12pm on July 29, when he arrived at the Public Bank branch in Taman Sutera Utama before all communication with him suddenly ceased.

At the time of his disappearance, he was described as being approximately 165cm tall, wearing a white shirt and blue shorts.

His family had widely circulated missing person notices online, fearing something unusual had happened after he vanished without explanation.

The search, however, ended in tragedy after relatives were informed that a body believed to be Liew had been recovered from the river.

Politician Urges Public to Respect Family

Johor state assembly representative-elect Kathy (transliterated from Chinese reports) said she was informed by the victim’s family on August 3 that the missing businessman had been found deceased.

In a Facebook post published during the early hours of August 4, she appealed to members of the public to stop sharing graphic photos and videos related to the discovery.

She urged people to show compassion towards the grieving family and respect their privacy during this difficult period.

Three Men Arrested

In a separate development reported later on August 4, Johor police announced that three local men had been arrested to assist with investigations.

Investigators have not ruled out the possibility that the killing may have been linked to financial debts, although no official motive has been confirmed.

Police investigations remain ongoing as officers work to establish the full sequence of events leading to the businessman’s disappearance and death.

Investigation Continues

Authorities have yet to formally identify the body through official forensic procedures, although family members believe the deceased is Liew.

Police are expected to release additional information once post-mortem examinations and investigations are completed.

Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to cooperate with the authorities to assist in the ongoing investigation.