Johor man with six previous criminal and drug-related offences arrested over axe murder of 68-year-old Felda settler

Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the suspect was arrested by a joint team from the state contingent and district police at a palm oil plantation here at 10.26am today. — Bernama pic

First Published: Tuesday, 27 Oct 2026 4:13 PM MYT

KOTA TINGGI, Oct 27 — Police arrested a 41-year-old man suspected of hacking a settler to death with an axe at Felda Lok Heng Selatan last night.

Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the suspect was arrested by a joint team from the state contingent and district police at a palm oil plantation here at 10.26am today.

“Police seized a motorcycle and an axe from the suspect.

“Investigators believe that the axe was the murder weapon,” he said in a statement today.

Ab Rahaman added that background checks revealed that the local suspect had six previous criminal and drug-related offences.

The incident occurred at 7.56pm last night, when a 68-year-old Felda settler was found covered in blood, with slash wounds to his head and both arms.

The victim was pronounced dead by medical officers dispatched from the nearby Bukit Waha Health Clinic.

Earlier, the axe-wielding suspect was reportedly on a violent rampage before encountering the victim by the roadside.

Ab Rahaman said the suspect, who is in police custody, would be brought to the Pengerang Magistrate’s Court tomorrow for a remand application.

He said the case was being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.

“Investigators are still looking into the motive behind the incident.

“The public has been urged to refrain from speculating on the case or posting comments that could interfere with the investigative process,” he said.

The incident was widely shared on social media last night, with reports alleging that the axe-wielding suspect had also been seen acting aggressively by the roadside, causing fear among local residents.