Penang police chief Hamzah Ahmad said the suspects acted out of revenge and also over a conflict they had with the victim and his family, both in Tasek Gelugor and in their home country, Bernama reported.

“So far, we have arrested eight men, both local residents and foreigners, aged 30 to 40. We are also searching for the main suspect, whose identity has been established,” Hamzah said at a press conference in George Town today.

He said more arrests may be made.

A man had informed the police about the incident at 3.20am on March 7, saying four masked individuals armed with parangs had attacked the Myanmar national, who worked at the restaurant.

Seberang Perai Utara police chief Anuar Abdul Rahman had said the initial investigation showed that the attackers wore hats and face masks, carried parangs and fled in a dark-coloured car.