Ipoh police chief Najib Hamzah said police were notified about a fight in the area late last night. Officers dispatched to the scene found the deceased lying in the middle of a road.

Checks found that he had severe wounds consistent with being slashed with a sharp object.

“Preliminary investigations found that the victim was at a car rental premises with some friends when a group of men armed with parangs attacked them.

“Several of the deceased’s friends also suffered injuries and are being treated in hospital.

“A Malaysian man was later arrested to assist in investigations. Efforts to track down the other suspects are ongoing,” he said in a statement.

The case is being probed for murder, causing hurt with a dangerous weapon, and rioting with a weapon.