Death by (Loan) Sharks at the Beach

BALIK PULAU: A tourist had a shock when he stumbled upon a body that was partially buried in the sand on the Teluk Bahang beach.

V. Rajendram, 50, who was taking a stroll at 3am, said the man was still breathing when he tried to pull him out.

“There was smell of blood. Since I feared that I might cause more injuries, I immediately informed the police,” he said.

The victim, identified as Lee Hoay Chin, 53, died when police arrived at the scene.

Crime scene investigation: Police removing the body from the beach.

He is believed to have been drinking alone at the beach when he was set upon by assailants.

Police found Lee’s wallet nearby with only his MyKad in it.

Three liquor bottles, packets of peanuts, other food and a handphone, believed to belong to Lee, were found nearby.

Police said at least two people had attacked Lee and buried him.

State CID chief Senior Asst Comm (II) Wan Abdullah Tuanku Said, who visited the scene, said investigations showed that Lee’s back was hit with a hard object.

“There are injuries on the right side of his body but we have to wait for a post mortem to ascertain the cause of death,” he said.

SAC Wan Abdullah said the motive of the murder was still unclear and police were looking at robbery or financial disputes as possible causes.

Police have yet to contact the victim’s family.

Newsmen who went to the address stated in the MyKad at Bukit Mertajam found the door locked and sprayed with red paint.

Neighbours claimed that Lee could have been set upon by loan sharks due to his financial problems.

SOURCE: The Star (Ann Tan) - Man found buried at beach