The deceased, Panjavarnam Perumal, was approached by unhappy family members who scolded him for an insulting Facebook status update at 11.15pm Monday.

According to sources close to the investigation, Panjavarnam was alleged to have posted something insulting about his relatives, which provoked the altercation.

Northeast district police chief ACP Mior Faridalathrash Wahid said the confrontation began with a quarrel and then escalated into an exchange of punches and kicks before it ended.

Panjavarnam complained of breathing difficulties at 4.10am.

“Panjavarnam was then sent to the Penang Hospital by his family members. However, he died on his way to the hospital,” Mior said.

Mior did not disclose if Panjavarnam sustained injuries from the altercation and fight. Mior said a post mortem determined that Panjavarnam had died of severe coronary artery disease.

Mior said four suspects aged between 15 and 23 had been remanded for six days to assist with investigations.

The case will be investigated for murder under the Penal Code.