KUALA LUMPUR: A 29-year-old Malaysian pharmacist who was working in Melbourne, Australia was allegedly murdered by a man believed to be suffering from schizophrenia on Wednesday.
Australia's 7News network reported that Kum Chuan Leong, who worked at public health services company since 2021 was found dead by a colleague at his house in the Bellfield suburb near Ivanhoe, Melbourne at about 11.30am.
The colleague had gone to look for Leong when he failed to show up for work.
The news outlet said a 54-year-old homeless man had been detained in connection with the case and subsequently charged in court the next day for Leong's murder.
The Age reported that the suspect, who was identified as Simon Hunter appeared at the Melbourne magistrate's court via video link from his cell at the Heidelberg police station.
He had been deemed unfit for police interview and concerns were also raised about the suspect's behaviour since he was detained.
The daily reported that during the court proceeding via video link, the man took his clothes off before Magistrate Tara Hartnett, who then directed for remand staff to move him to a room where she could communicate with him.
"I'm not dealing with an accused person looking through a cell door. This is not satisfactory," Hartnett said.
The hearing was temporarily delayed until Hunter appeared again and that he spoke incoherently.
Lawyer Georgia Karvela told the court that her client suffers from schizophrenia.
The court was also told that Hunter had not taken his medication for two weeks
Meanwhile, Leong's employer, Eastern Health chief executive David Plunkett said Leong would remembered for his generous nature.
"It is with great sadness that Eastern Health acknowledge the shocking death of our friend and colleague Kum Chuan 'KC' Leong," Plunkett told the Australian media.
He said Leong was a talented leader and mentor for many of the company's emerging pharmacists.
"He will be remembered for his passion, kindness and dedication to his team and the broader community.
"KC was just 29 years old, and this tragedy will be felt by many. Given the sensitive nature of this matter, we ask you to respect the privacy of his family, friends and colleagues at this time," he said.
It was also reported that Leong's family flew into Melbourne from Malaysia on Thursday, but did not attend the court hearing.
Hunter has been remanded and is set to return to court on Jan 16.