Police said the businessman’s remains were stuffed in a bag and thrown into a ravine in a secluded area in Hulu Langat on April 26.

Selangor police chief Hussein Omar Khan told a press conference today the victim was believed to have been strangled with a wire by an acquaintance, who wanted to extort him for RM228,000.

He said a preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect, in his 30s, needed money to pay his lawyer’s fees.

“The suspect had invited the victim to meet up at a restaurant in Semenyih on April 26 under the pretext of doing business.

“Shortly after that, the victim contacted his housemate to transfer a sum of money to a certain company account.

“His housemate didn’t fulfil the request as he was suspicious. After failing to contact the victim on the same day, he lodged a report,” Hussein said.

He said the suspect was believed to have coaxed the businessman to go with him in his car where he was strangled. The initial investigation found that an accomplice had been waiting in the car.

Hussein said the suspect had carried out renovation work at a clinic and knew the businessman’s financial background.

He said the police also arrested four others to facilitate the investigation.