KENINGAU – A 30-year-old man was brutally murdered in Kampung Kitung here, allegedly due to an unpaid mobile phone installment debt of just RM50. His body was later found buried near a rubber plantation worker’s house on Tuesday evening.
The victim, identified as Abdul Hafiz, had been reported missing since Saturday before his body was discovered at about 6.25pm. Police were alerted after villagers noticed unusual soil and several items near the location.
Keningau District Police Chief, Superintendent Yampil Anak Garai, said investigations led to the arrest of two Filipino men, aged 33 and 37, believed to be involved in the murder.
“The first suspect was arrested at 9pm on Wednesday in Kampung Sayur, Jalan Durok. He admitted to committing the act alone. The motive was linked to a fight over a mobile phone installment debt. The suspect owed the victim RM50, having failed to make payments for four consecutive months,” he explained.
The second suspect was later arrested at 11.30am on Thursday in Kampung Kilang Bata, along Jalan Keningau-Tenom.
“Based on investigations, the first suspect approached the second suspect last Sunday, asking for help at a garden house where the incident took place. He admitted to killing the victim on Saturday and requested assistance in burying the body.
“The second suspect did not dig the hole but admitted to using his phone’s flashlight and helping to lift the body into the hole before it was covered with soil,” Yampil said.
Both suspects are now under a seven-day remand until next Friday to assist in investigations. Police have classified the case under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
The shocking case has raised concerns among villagers, as a small debt turned into a fatal confrontation that cost a man his life. Police have urged the public to seek legal solutions in disputes and avoid resorting to violence.
