Pekan nanas: Police have taken 10 local men into custody following a series of raids connected to a fatal hacking incident in front of a restaurant in Pekan Nanas, Pontian on May 21. The arrests are part of an ongoing investigation into the murder of a 22-year-old man.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Johor acting police chief DCP Hoo Chuan Huat stated that the arrests were made by a police team comprising members from the Anti-Vice, Gambling and Secret Societies Division (D7), the Special Investigation Division (D9), the Johor police contingent headquarters (IPK), and the Criminal Investigation Division of the Pontian district police headquarters. The suspects, aged between 18 and 28, were apprehended in Pontian and Batu Pahat between May 21 and Tuesday.

The police seized vehicles, clothing, face masks, and weapons believed to be used in the crime. It was revealed that six of the suspects have criminal records, while two have both criminal and narcotics records. Initial urine screenings showed that one suspect tested positive for benzo-type drugs.

DCP Hoo further explained that six suspects were remanded for 15 days starting May 21, one was remanded for seven days beginning May 29, two were remanded starting June 1, and another was remanded from June 3, all under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code. Investigation papers have been submitted to the state Public Prosecutor's Office, and charges for murder have been filed against seven of the suspects and five others who remain at large under Section 302 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code.

Three suspects were released and will serve as prosecution witnesses under bond in accordance with Section 118 of the Criminal Procedure Code. DCP Hoo suggested that the murder may be linked to secret society activities, including the recruitment of new members.

He urged the public, particularly young individuals, to avoid involvement in secret societies and to report any criminal activities to local police stations or contact the Johor Police hotline at 019-2792095 or the Johor IPK operations room line at 07-2212999.

Earlier reports indicated that the victim was found dead in a pool of blood with severe injuries to his hands and feet outside a restaurant in Pekan Nanas. The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.