A contractor was hacked to death by his son, believed to be a drug addict, in an incident in Batu 4 1/2, Jalan Kampung Padang Melangit here today.

Perlis CID chief Supt Azahar Muda said the incident occurred between 7.15 am and 7.30 am today when the father refused the 24-year-old son's request for money.

"It is learned that the suspect, who worked as a supermarket assistant in Kuala Lumpur, returned to Perlis yesterday morning and had requested for some money from the father later in the day, but was denied.

"This morning, between 7.15 and 7.30am, the suspect asked the father (for the money) again, but an argument broke, during which the suspect slashed his father with a machete and vegetable knife on the chest, abdomen, and arms," he told reporters here today.

Azahar said the 53-year-old victim died at the scene, while the suspect, who then fled to his grandmother's house about 60 metres away, was arrested at 8am.

The suspect, who stabbed himself, after the incident, had been sent to Tuanku Fauziah Hospital (HTF) in Kangar for treatment, he said, adding that the victim's body was taken to the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital for post-mortem. --Bernama