Singaporean debt collector accused of brutal attack on Malaysian employee in Johor Bahru

Malaysian police are investigating a Singaporean man for allegedly launching a violent attack on his employee in Johor Bahru, leaving the 23-year-old Malaysian victim with severe injuries to his face and hands.

The incident reportedly took place at Plaza Sentosa on the night of 6 September 2025, following a dispute over a missing vape device.

According to The New Straits Times (NST), the suspect — a debt collector in his forties who is also known as a social media influencer — had hired the victim as his driver just three days earlier.

Alleged assault after theft accusation

The confrontation began when the driver was accused of stealing the suspect’s vape.

Citing China Press, the victim’s elder brother said one of the suspect’s friends instructed the victim to look for the missing vape under a table.

As the victim bent down to search, the Singaporean allegedly launched a sudden and brutal attack.

The suspect is said to have struck the victim on the head with a glass bottle, which shattered on impact. He then allegedly used the broken bottle to stab the victim in the left eye and attempted to slash his face and neck.

Despite the victim’s attempts to defend himself, he sustained serious injuries.

“Nearly all my brother’s fingers needed stitches, and the tendon in his thumb was torn,” the victim’s brother told China Press.

Photographs circulating on social media — purportedly showing the injured man — depict him lying in a hospital bed with deep lacerations on his head, face, and hands, including severe trauma around the left eye.

Suspect allegedly issued death threats

According to the brother, the suspect shouted death threats during the assault, threatening to kill the victim and his family.

The victim later lodged a police report on 7 September, which was confirmed by Johor Baru South police chief ACP Raub Selamat.

Malaysian authorities are investigating the case under Sections 394 and 326 of the Penal Code, which cover robbery with hurt and causing grievous hurt with a weapon.

Raub said that investigators are still verifying details and cautioned that only the victim’s account has been obtained so far.

“We only have one side of the story,” he said. “A clearer picture will emerge once the suspect is apprehended.”

Victim recovering, investigation underway

The victim is currently recovering at a Johor Bahru hospital, where he underwent multiple procedures to repair his injuries. Doctors have expressed concern about potential long-term vision loss in his injured eye.

Family members said the young man had accepted the job to support his parents and had only been employed by the suspect for a short period before the attack.

“He didn’t even work a week,” his brother said. “We just want justice and for this man to be caught.”

Suspect linked to debt collection agency

Investigations have revealed that the Singaporean suspect is believed to be linked to a debt collection agency headquartered in Singapore. The firm’s operations reportedly extend across Malaysia — including Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, and Penang — and into Cambodia.

The suspect is thought to have travelled frequently between the two countries for business purposes, and police are exploring the possibility that he has returned to Singapore.

Attempts by The New Straits Times to contact the agency for comment were unsuccessful. Calls to its listed Singaporean number went unanswered.

Malaysian police have not disclosed the suspect’s name pending further investigation but confirmed that a manhunt is underway.

Cross-border coordination expected

Given the transnational nature of the case, investigators are expected to coordinate with Singaporean authorities through formal mutual assistance channels if the suspect is confirmed to have fled across the border.

Cross-border crime between Johor Bahru and Singapore has been an increasing concern for both countries, with regular cooperation between the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Singapore Police Force (SPF) in cases involving fugitives, financial fraud, and violence.

ACP Raub urged members of the public to refrain from circulating unverified photos or personal details online while the investigation is ongoing.

“The matter is under active investigation. We will release more information once all sides have been heard,” he said.

Legal implications

Under Malaysian law, causing grievous hurt with a weapon carries a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and a possible fine or whipping, while robbery with hurt may result in up to 20 years’ imprisonment and caning.

If charged and convicted, the Singaporean suspect could face lengthy jail time in Malaysia.

Lawyers note that Malaysia and Singapore have a long-standing extradition treaty that allows for the return of fugitives, though the process may depend on whether formal charges are filed.

Public reaction and social media outrage

The case has sparked widespread outrage on Malaysian social media, with many expressing sympathy for the young victim and demanding justice.

Several users called for tighter oversight of foreign debt collection operations in Malaysia, which often operate in legal grey areas.

Some commentators also raised concerns about the influence of social media “debt collectors” who film confrontations and post them online for publicity.

Local advocacy groups have urged authorities to strengthen protections for low-income workers, particularly those employed informally or across borders.

As of Friday, police have yet to locate the suspect, though sources close to the investigation said they were “confident” of identifying his whereabouts soon.

“The most important thing now,” ACP Raub said, “is ensuring justice for the victim and the safe resolution of this case.”