KANGAR: Former rider Elly Idzlianizar Elias, 40, died from severe slash wounds sustained during a fight with three men in Taman Behor Gonchar Jaya on Tuesday evening (Sept 10).
District police chief assistant commissioner Yusharifuddin Mohd Yusop said a post-morterm conducted at the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Star showed that the former cub prix ace had died from a dozen slash wounds.
Before the brawl between 9pm and 10pm on Tuesday, Elly had gone to a house in Taman Behor Gonchar Jaya to search for a 51-year-old man, who is now the prime suspect in the case, he said.
"The victim had gone to the man's house in a rage only to find out that he was not at home.
"As he was leaving the area, the victim came across the suspect at a junction where a fight ensued.
"The man's 31-year-old son and another man, who was with the main suspect, were also involved in the fight," he said in a press conference at his office today (Sept 12).
Yusharifuddin said Elly and the three men were already rushed to Tuanku Fauziah Hospital when a police team arrived at the scene after being alerted to the incident at about 11.13pm.
"However, the victim died at 12.30am (yesterday - Sept 11).
"He sustained between 10 and 12 slash wounds to his arms and body."
A post-morterm conducted at the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital showed that the victim died from excessive bleeding, he said.
He said police arrested three men aged between 28 and 51 at separate locations in Kangar in connection with the case.
"We have seized a 112cm 'samurai' sword believed to be used in the fight, mobile phones and a digital video recorder from the suspects," he said.
Yusharifuddin said police were investigating the motive behind the fatal brawl as Elly and the main suspect were said to have had several dealings prior to the incident.
"We are also investigating the possibility of elements of the underworld and gangsterism in the incident as the key suspect has nine previous records, including attempted murder and drug-related offences, while his son has five previous records.
"The third man, aged 28, from Arau, has 12 previous cases, including drug-related offences," he said.
He said the prime suspect had also tested positive for drug abuse.
Police have obtained a remand order against the suspects until Sept 17 for investigation under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
Elly's remains were laid to rest at the Utan Aji Muslim Cemetery yesterday.
It was reported earlier today that Elly's sister, Elly Idzliaikmal Elias, had shared the news of his death on her social media account.
Known as a highly talented rider, Elly first made a name for himself in the local Cub Prix racing scene.
Having won several championships with various manufacturers, including Yamaha, Honda, and Suzuki, the late Elly was also selected to participate in the nation's 'wildcard' rider search program to compete in the 2009 Malaysian Grand Prix.