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A DISPUTE over “mushroom-flavoured” vape liquid turned deadly after a 30-year-old man was fatally stabbed during a confrontation at a playground in Merlimau, Melaka, police said.
The victim suffered a stab wound to the right side of his back which pierced his lung, along with head injuries sustained during the attack.
He died while receiving treatment at Melaka Hospital at 1.26pm on Thursday. A second victim, aged 26, sustained cuts to his right hand and body, as well as scratches to his face.
Jasin police chief Supt Lee Robert said the incident occurred at about 9pm last night and stemmed from a misunderstanding during a vape liquid transaction.
“The victim died while receiving treatment at Melaka Hospital at 1.26 pm today. Another victim, aged 26, sustained cuts to his right hand and right side of the body, as well as scratches on his face.
“We received a report on the incident last night and have arrested four suspects aged between 20 and 35,” he said in a statement.
Lee said tensions escalated after one of the victims allegedly confronted a suspect and used abusive language, prompting the suspect to chase and attack the pair with a knife.
“The two other suspects are believed to have punched the victims. Both victims managed to flee by car and sought treatment at Klinik Kesihatan Merlimau before being transferred to Melaka Hospital for further treatment,” he said.
Police seized several items believed to be linked to the case, including clothing, mobile phones, a pair of slippers and a broken knife with suspected blood stains.
Background checks found that all four suspects had previous criminal and drug-related records, while three tested positive for methamphetamine.
Lee added that a post-mortem examination would be carried out at Melaka Hospital tomorrow to determine the exact cause of death.
The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder. - May 15, 2026
