Police have arrested a 55-year-old man after he attacked and slashed an elderly man at a surau in Bukit Jana, Kamunting, on Wednesday, leaving the victim seriously injured.
The suspect has a criminal and drug record, with 16 previous offences, and tested positive for morphine.
The suspect, a psychiatric patient, had previously received treatment in hospital.
Taiping police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohamad Nasir Ismail said the suspect is currently held in lockup, and a remand application will be made tomorrow at the Taiping Magistrate’s Court.
“The victim, a 68-year-old surau caretaker, was in the surau when the suspect suddenly approached and attacked him multiple times on the head and hands with a parang,” he said in a statement.
The suspect was arrested at 4.30pm, shortly after the incident.
The victim sustained severe injuries and is receiving treatment at Taiping Hospital.
Police believe the attack stemmed from a personal grievance the suspect had with the victim.
The case is being investigated under Section 326 of the Penal Code, and further investigations are ongoing.