1 dead after 15 masked men attack diners in Penang restaurant with parangs, allegedly over debt dispute

A group of about 15 masked men went to a restaurant in Sungai Bakap, Penang, and attacked diners with machetes on Dec. 30.

A 59-year-old man who had severe injuries died on the way to the hospital, while two other men, aged 31 and 42, were treated in a hospital, The New Straits Times reported.

The younger of the two has since been discharged in stable condition, while the older remained in critical condition.

Two suspects were detained several hours after the incident.

They will be remanded for seven days from Dec. 31 to assist with investigations, while the police continue to track down the other people involved.

What happened

The attack happened around 4:30 pm on Dec. 30, when the three victims were dining at the restaurant.

"Preliminary police investigations found that they were drinking together...at the restaurant before they were suddenly attacked by 15 masked men," the Penang police chief said, as quoted by The Star.

Although the motive behind the attack is still under investigation, it reportedly could have been about a debt dispute.

The victims and suspects are also believed to be known to each other, according to The New Straits Times.

Before the attack, two of the victims were allegedly engaged in a discussion that grew heated, Malaysia's Oriental Daily reported.

The aftermath

Videos and photos of the aftermath circulated on social media after the incident.

In one video, a man lay slumped on the floor, his head and back significantly bloodied. Splatters of blood can also be seen on the floor around him.

Another video showed a second man with blood along his arms and head being helped up from the floor.

Other photos showed paramedics at the scene, helping the victims.

Top images from Eddy Subangjaya/Facebook and Guangming Daily