Northeast district acting police chief Lee Swee Sake said the eight, aged between 22 and 58, were arrested in several raids around the Pulau Tikus area last night.

They have been remanded to assist in the probe, which is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.

Lee said police are still tracking down the main suspect, who is believed to have stabbed the victim several times with a sharp weapon.

“Of those arrested, four are family members who own a shop, one is a shop worker, while three others work at a motorcycle workshop next door.

“The victim was believed to be working in the shop when one of the suspects entered and attacked him with a screwdriver before fleeing,” he said.

The 48-year-old man was taken to a private clinic but died while waiting to get treatment.