Police in Malaysia have arrested two more men in connection with the murder of a man whose body was discovered bound and wrapped in a fishing net in a river in Johor.
The latest arrests bring the total number of suspects detained to five as investigators continue probing the killing.
The victim’s body was found floating in Sungai Tanjung in Parit Raja, Johor, on Sunday, sparking a murder investigation.
Two more men detained in Johor
Johor Deputy Police Chief Deputy Commissioner Hoo Chuan Huat said the two latest suspects, aged 33 and 34, were arrested in Kluang and Johor Bahru on Tuesday.
The pair have been remanded until 10 August to assist with investigations.
Three other suspects arrested earlier in the investigation are also being held under remand until the same date.
Police said investigations remain ongoing and have not ruled out the possibility of more arrests.
Debt dispute believed to be motive
Preliminary investigations suggest the murder may have stemmed from a debt dispute.
According to police, investigators believe one of the suspects owed money to the victim, while the remaining suspects are believed to be associates.
Authorities are still working to determine the exact role each suspect allegedly played in the killing.
Police are also awaiting the victim’s post-mortem report, which is expected to provide further information about the cause of death.
Body discovered wrapped in net
The case first came to light after members of the public discovered a body floating in Sungai Tanjung on Sunday.
Police later confirmed the victim had been bound and wrapped in a net before being dumped in the river.
The grim discovery prompted an extensive investigation, leading officers to identify and arrest multiple suspects over the following days.
Investigators have yet to reveal the identity of the victim or disclose further details surrounding the circumstances of the alleged murder.
Murder investigation continues
The case is being investigated under Section 302 of Malaysia’s Penal Code for murder.
If convicted, offenders may face the death penalty or imprisonment of between 30 and 40 years, along with a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane, depending on the sentence imposed under current Malaysian law.
Police have urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward as officers continue gathering evidence and tracing the involvement of other individuals who may be connected to the case.