Second murder in less than two weeks raises alarm in Johor’s Tangkak district
A Myanmar man was fatally stabbed in Tangkak, Johor, on June 12, marking the district’s second murder case in under two weeks. Police have launched a manhunt for the 24-year-old suspect, a fellow Myanmar national and UNHCR cardholder.
Fatal Quarrel Turns Deadly
The murder took place around 7pm at a rented residence on Jalan Kemajuan. Preliminary investigations revealed that a heated altercation broke out between the victim and suspect before the stabbing occurred. Authorities believe a knife or similar sharp object was used in the attack. The suspect fled the scene immediately afterward.
Suspect a UNHCR Cardholder
Tangkak District Police Chief, Superintendent Roslan Mohd Talib, confirmed that the suspect is a 24-year-old Myanmar national who holds a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) card. The police have urged the public to assist in locating the suspect by contacting the district police headquarters at 06-9785222 or the investigating officer directly at 019-2699573.
Recent Case Adds to Growing Concern
This murder follows closely on the heels of another gruesome incident reported on June 2, where a man allegedly killed his wife by slashing her throat during a domestic dispute in Taman Cahaya, Bukit Gambir. The suspect in that case, Mohamad Khairul Azmi Ithinin, 32, also torched nine vehicles belonging to his wife and her brother before surrendering to police the next day.
Court Proceedings Underway
Khairul Azmi has since been charged with murder and mischief in the Tangkak Magistrate’s Court and Muar Sessions Court. The rapid succession of these violent crimes has heightened community concern and placed Tangkak under scrutiny regarding public safety and domestic conflict management.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal
Authorities are actively investigating the most recent case and have yet to determine the motive behind the fatal altercation. With the suspect still at large, Johor police are appealing for any leads. The presence of a UNHCR cardholder among the suspects has also triggered broader conversations on refugee monitoring and integration challenges in Malaysia.
The back-to-back murder cases in Tangkak reflect rising concerns over violent crime and public safety, especially involving vulnerable and migrant populations. As Malaysia continues to host large numbers of refugees, the balance between humanitarian protection and law enforcement becomes increasingly vital—not only for locals but also for neighbouring observers like Singapore and Indonesia.
Sources: NST (2025) , Malay Mail (2025)
Keywords: Tangkak Stabbing, Myanmar Murder, UNHCR Refugee, Johor Crime, Police Investigation, Fatal Dispute
